Two Decades of Gender Differences in Pornography Research Topics

This exploratory study investigates the potential gender differences in research priorities, driven by factors such as established sexual stigma and traditional gender norms surrounding pornography. Using temporal and thematic analyses, we identify and examine research topics of 6,145 pornography studies published between 2001 and 2024. Our findings suggest that the lead author's gender may influence topic selection, with women exploring topics that have historically been underrepresented or overlooked. Furthermore, female-led publications have engaged with internet and web-related research earlier and more prominently. Additionally, our analyses outline the evolution of male- and female-led publication patterns in the field, highlighting a trend toward more balanced representation. This study aims to serve as a foundational basis for future research, encouraging more thorough investigations into gender disparities and their underlying causes within this domain. We also highlight the importance of longitudinal research to uncover potential gender disparities over time.