Perceptions of Female Pornography Stars‪.‬

ABSTRACT: Both pro-pornography and anti-pornography advocates have used the attributed characteristics and motivations of women working in pornography to justify their political stands. What are the beliefs about and stereotypes of pornography stars? Are they seen as actors or as prostitutes having sex for money? This study investigated college students' stereotypes of female pornography stars relative to those of female movie stars, prostitutes, and women in general. The sample consisted of 160 female and 99 male college student volunteers. Participants gave percentage estimates on traits, behaviours, and work-related motivations of members of the four groups. Across all measures, pornography stars were seen as between movie stars (and women in general) and prostitutes, more negatively than movie stars and women in general, but more positively than prostitutes. Attitudes toward the harm of pornography and the importance of free speech were related to stereotypes of pornography stars. Key words: Pornography Attitudes towards pornography Pornography stars