Abstract
Seeking to transcend polarized porn debates, this research used grounded theory to explore experiences of porn consumption among self-identified feminists, a demographic occupying a unique position both within and outside feminist critiques of pornography. Consumption experiences were influenced by participants' beliefs about what constituted 'ethical enough' (conscionable). These were accompanied by contemplative moments, often shaped by the degree to which individuals felt they had strayed from their conceptions of conscionable practice. Respondents described an interactive relationship between such reflections, (re/)definitions of conscionability, and future intentions/attitudes. Thus, rather than representing an achieved or failed 'ethical consumer' status, porn consumption ethics were conceptualized as an ongoing process of 'conscionable' negotiation. This study enhances our understanding of how ethical issues are navigated by feminists who use pornography - an unexplored demographic within porn studies and consumer ethics research alike. The study furthermore presents the first theoretical model of porn consumer ethics (conscionable consumption).