{"product_id":"involuntary-consent-the-illusion-of-choice-in-japans-adult-video-industry-9781503633780","title":"Involuntary Consent: The Illusion of Choice in Japan's Adult Video Industry","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe porn industry is based on the idea of voluntary consent, but Akiko Takeyama argues that this is not always the case, particularly in Japan's adult video industry, where performers are often pressured to comply with production companies' expectations. This phenomenon, she argues, is pervasive in modern society and goes unnoticed due to the belief in autonomy and free choice. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 252 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 11 July 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Stanford University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe popularity of pornography is often justified by the notion that those involved have consented to participate. This consent-based framework has allowed the porn industry to dominate the media economy, generating substantial revenue. However, author Akiko Takeyama challenges this pervasive assumption by introducing the concept of involuntary consent. She argues that this phenomenon is not limited to the porn industry but is prevalent in our everyday lives. Despite the values of autonomy, free choice, and equality that underpin modern society, involuntary consent remains largely invisible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Japan, the adult video industry alone generates an estimated $5 billion annually. In recent years, it has faced scrutiny and criticism due to arrests and trials of former talent agency owners and executives. This has led to a report calling for a comprehensive investigation into the industry over allegations of forced performance. The report's findings have had international implications, as the US Department of State also recognized forced performance as a human rights violation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing this moment as a starting point, Takeyama argues that contract-making, writ large, is predicated on fundamentally dualistic terms, implying consent and pleasure on the one hand and coercion and pain on the other. Sex workers, who are employed on a contract basis, often fall outside the purview of standard labor and employment laws. As a result, they are frequently pressured to comply with the expectations and demands of production companies, which are predominantly run by men.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn her ethnography of Japan's porn industry, Takeyama delves into the paradox of involuntary consent in modern liberal democratic societies. She begins by examining the concept of consent as a starting point, highlighting the nuances and complexities of consent in the context of the porn industry. Through her research, Takeyama illustrates how consent can be manipulated, coerced, or even taken away from sex workers, rendering them powerless in the face of the industry's demands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key findings of Takeyama's research is the prevalence of non-consensual sex in the porn industry. Despite the industry's claims that performers are willing participants, many sex workers report experiencing coercion, pressure, or even violence during filming. This includes situations where performers are promised financial rewards or career opportunities but are then subjected to abusive or exploitative behavior. Takeyama also highlights the lack of legal protections for sex workers, who are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and exploitation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, Takeyama argues that the concept of involuntary consent extends beyond the porn industry. She observes how coercion and pressure can be found in various aspects of our lives, including relationships, work, and even our own personal choices. For example, she notes how societal norms and expectations can pressure individuals to conform to gender roles, sexual preferences, or societal expectations, even if they do not fully consent to these roles or preferences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Akiko Takeyama's ethnography of Japan's porn industry provides a powerful critique of the notion of involuntary consent. She challenges the pervasive belief that those involved in the porn industry have consented to participate and highlights the prevalence of involuntary consent in our everyday lives. Through her research, Takeyama sheds light on the complexities of consent, coercion, and power dynamics in the porn industry and beyond. Her work calls for a more nuanced understanding of consent and a recognition of the rights and protections of sex workers and other marginalized individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 386g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 151 x 230 x 17 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781503633780\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Akiko Takeyama","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44348266152186,"sku":"9781503633780","price":17.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1689349945558_book.jpg?v=1689442072","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/involuntary-consent-the-illusion-of-choice-in-japans-adult-video-industry-9781503633780","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}