By Hasse-Nima Golkar

Preface:

This is a summary of research and a condensed review of various perspectives and criticisms from different anarchist schools of thought worldwide regarding pornography as part of freedom of sexual and gender expression.

Anarchism is a collection of diverse political and social philosophies and approaches aimed at eliminating all forms of hierarchy and authority, such as the state, capitalism, and other systems of domination. Anarchists generally seek to create societies where individuals can live and cooperate freely and equally. The term “anarchism” is derived from the Greek word (anarchia), meaning “without ruler / without state.”

Anarchists believe that societies can be organized without a state or centralized power, emphasizing self-management, mutual aid, and direct democracy. However, theoretical disagreements about social organization, the issue of property, and methods of struggle have led to the division of anarchism into various currents. Although these currents may have serious disagreements, they all share a common principle: the defense of human freedom and the rejection of imposed powers.

Individualist Anarchism

This branch emphasizes individual autonomy and absolute personal freedom and generally opposes all forms of authority, even if they are collective. Prominent individualist anarchists include thinkers such as Max Stirner and Benjamin Tucker.

Socialist Anarchism

This branch combines socialism and anarchism, emphasizing collective ownership of the means of production and social self-management. Unlike Marxism, socialist anarchists advocate decentralized revolutions without bureaucratic structures.

Communist Anarchism

This current seeks to create societies without a state, private property, and capitalism. Resources and products are collectively owned and distributed according to need. Mutual aid and democratic decision-making are the fundamental principles of this type of anarchism. Peter Kropotkin is one of the most prominent theorists of this school.

Syndicalist Anarchism This type of anarchism emphasizes organizing labor movements and workers’ control over the means of production. General strikes and the creation of independent and revolutionary unions are considered the main tools of struggle against capitalism and the state.

Anarcha-Feminism

Anarcha-feminists are a branch of anarchism that criticizes systems of domination such as patriarchy and gender oppression. Their goal is to build a society that is not only free from the state and capitalism but also liberated from all forms of gender oppression. Anarcha-feminists believe that the struggle against authority must simultaneously include the struggle against gender oppression.

Eco-Anarchism

Green anarchism examines power and domination in relation to the environment. This school seeks to create societies where humans live in harmony with nature and avoid destructive technologies.

Some Differences and Disagreements Individualist anarchists believe in personal ownership (but not capitalist ownership) and prioritize individual autonomy. In contrast, communist anarchists emphasize the complete abolition of the state, private property, and capitalist markets, focusing more on self-management, collective ownership, direct democracy, and common resources. Libertarian socialism also supports freedom and equality, but some of its branches accept the existence of markets or personal ownership within decentralized and democratic economic systems. Syndicalist anarchists emphasize struggle through unions and general strikes.

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Pornography is a complex and multifaceted issue that has attracted diverse opinions. On the one hand, it has been supported as a symbol of individual and artistic freedom, and on the other hand, it is criticized for issues related to exploitation, violence, and distortion of reality. The anarchist perspective also reflects their fundamental disagreements regarding individualism and collectivism. Moreover, approaches such as ethical pornography have been considered as a means of achieving balance and justice.

Pornography refers to the display of images, texts, films, or any other content with explicit sexual nature, mostly aimed at sexually stimulating the audience. This phenomenon has existed in human societies for a long time and has significantly expanded with the advancement of technology, especially on the internet.

Pornography has been discussed as one of the controversial and complex issues in philosophical, social, political, and cultural domains. This subject continues to be the focus of sociological and psychological research from various perspectives, including freedom of expression, individual rights, gender orientation, and violence against women. The fundamental question is whether pornography can be recognized as part of freedom of sexual expression and a tool for sexual liberation, or whether it should be condemned and restricted due to its negative impacts.

Supporters of freedom of expression and sexual and gender liberation view pornography as a form of artistic or cultural expression that can help individuals become acquainted with their sexual desires and enjoy them. This view is particularly popular among positive feminists (pro-sex), who present pornography as a tool for sexual empowerment and control over women’s bodies and desires.

According to this group, access to pornography is essential as part of individual choice and self-expression. However, critics argue that the pornography industry is largely controlled by patriarchal structures and the capitalist system, where genuine freedom is rarely seen.

Many anarchists emphasize the need to distinguish between commercial pornography, which is usually controlled by economic and social power structures, and independent or ‘libertarian’ pornography, in which individuals participate voluntarily and by their own choice.

Interestingly, Madalyn Murray O’Hair (1919–1995), an anarchist-feminist and founder of the organization “American Atheists,” wrote articles from an atheist-militant perspective about promoting sexual relations from a woman’s point of view in the famous magazine “Playboy.”

Opponents’ Arguments:

• Pornography, due to its depiction of gender inequalities, widely leads to objectification and humiliation of women and turns people into sexual objects.
• Much pornographic content is associated with sexual exploitation, violence, and poor working conditions for those active in this industry. This problem is particularly evident in the commercial porn industry.
• Research has shown that excessive and uncontrolled consumption of pornography may lead to addiction, depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and social isolation, weakening emotional, physical, and social relationships. Because the content often presents an unrealistic portrayal of sexual and emotional relationships, it can lead to unhealthy and irrational expectations.

However, it should be noted that not all types of pornography are like this, and there are various forms of pornography that focus on more diverse, ethical, and non-degrading representations.

Supporters’ Arguments

• Pornography can provide a better understanding of sexual relationships and various desires, serving as an informal educational resource.
• It is supported as a form of artistic expression and individual freedom, allowing individuals to explore their sexual identities.
• Some studies have shown that controlled consumption of pornography can help reduce sexual anxieties, improve mental health, and even increase satisfaction in one’s sexual life.
• Pornography can contribute to the representation of diverse sexual desires and lifestyles and challenge social taboos.
• Independent and non-commercial pornography can be used as an artistic tool for expressing emotions, thoughts, and diverse sexual orientations.

Supporters of freedom of expression and individual rights argue that the right to access pornography should be recognized as part of personal choice and freedom of expression. From their perspective, censorship of pornography is equivalent to violating civil liberties and the right to access information. They also believe that individuals should be able to decide for themselves what type of content is appropriate for them. However, even among advocates of free speech, there are debates about limitations and the necessity of regulations to protect children, prevent abuse, and promote more ethical content.

Anarchist perspectives on pornography are significantly diverse and sometimes contradictory:

• Individualist Anarchists

This group emphasizes individual freedom and believes that     everyone should be free to participate in the production or consumption of pornography, provided that it is done voluntarily and without coercion. They argue that banning pornography is a form of repression and contradicts the principles of free expression and individual autonomy. Additionally, they believe that any governmental restriction on pornography is a violation of personal autonomy.

• Feminist Anarchists

Feminist anarchists take a critical view of pornography, associating it with large industries and gender inequality. They believe that mainstream pornography often reflects oppressive and patriarchal structures that contribute to the objectification of women and reinforce gender inequalities. However, some feminist anarchists support ethical pornography and strive to create models of content production where full consent, social justice, and respect for human dignity are upheld.

• Postfeminist Anarchists

This category of anarchists seeks to redefine pornography through independent and ethical production, rather than rejecting it outright. They believe that pornographic content can reflect the power and agency of women and gender minorities, provided that control over its production and distribution remains in their own hands.

• Queer Anarchists

Anarcho-queers view pornography as a tool for cultural resistance and the expression of diverse sexual and gender identities. They aim to redefine pornography as a space for expressing unconventional desires, challenging norms, and critiquing dominant gender standards. This perspective often supports independent, non-commercial, and ethical content production.

• Communist Anarchists

This group believes that commercial pornography is a product of the authoritarian structures of the capitalist and patriarchal systems. From their perspective, the industry perpetuates labor exploitation, particularly of women and vulnerable individuals. From this standpoint, socialist anarchists seek alternatives to commercial pornography where principles of equality, democracy, and self-management are respected.

• Libertarian Socialists

Libertarian anarchists support individual freedom, the right to choose, and free and independent expressions, condemning all forms of censorship. They strongly criticize commercial pornography for the authoritarian structures of the capitalist system.

• Syndicalist Anarchists

Anarcho-syndicalists are highly focused on economic and labor issues and criticize the exploitation present in the commercial porn industry. They seek self-managed and democratic structures in content production, arguing that pornography should not function as a tool for profit and capitalist exploitation. Instead, content production should be conducted cooperatively and democratically, where all participants have equal rights and safety.