Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity

Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity examines the pornography industry and its intersection with masculinity in modern society. Jensen draws from his research and interviews to analyze how pornographic content shapes cultural attitudes about gender and sexuality. The book investigates the production methods, economic models, and content themes that drive the adult entertainment industry. Through this investigation, Jensen connects pornography consumption to broader questions about male identity and behavior patterns. Jensen presents arguments about how pornography influences relationships, sexuality, and gender dynamics in contemporary culture. The narrative structure moves between industry analysis, cultural criticism, and personal reflection. The text challenges readers to consider connections between media consumption and real-world power structures, while raising fundamental questions about how society constructs and perpetuates certain forms of masculinity.

Readers view this as a radical feminist critique of pornography's impact on masculinity and society. The book attracts strong reactions in both directions. Readers appreciated: - Clear arguments backed by research and data - Personal reflections on the author's own experiences - Direct confrontation of difficult topics - Links between pornography and broader social issues Common criticisms: - One-sided perspective that doesn't consider pro-porn feminist views - Overly moralistic and condemning tone - Lack of solutions or practical recommendations - Too focused on extreme examples Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (177 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) Several readers noted the book felt "preachy" and "repetitive." One reviewer called it "thought-provoking but ultimately unsatisfying." Multiple readers mentioned struggling with Jensen's absolute anti-porn stance while agreeing with his core analysis of masculinity and patriarchy. A significant portion of negative reviews focused on the author's perceived bias rather than the quality of research or writing.

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🔖 Robert Jensen is a professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin who identifies as a radical feminist, challenging traditional views of masculinity and gender roles. 📚 The book emerged from Jensen's personal journey of examining his own relationship with pornography and masculinity, making it both an academic analysis and a memoir. 🎬 Jensen argues that mainstream pornography has become increasingly violent since the 1970s, with nearly 90% of popular scenes containing physical aggression. 💡 The book's title "Getting Off" carries a deliberate double meaning - referring both to sexual gratification and to stepping away from harmful systems. 🌐 The work sparked significant debate in academic circles for suggesting that pornography is inherently harmful to society, rather than taking the more common stance that only certain types are problematic.