Pornography in Canada did not become a problem of social deviance through a unanimous and consensual legal reform; rather it was a highly debated issue which both generated and responded to complex power structures and multiple resistance movements. For example, in the early 1970's, popular opinion as well as scientific research defended the individual's right to sexual expression and the liberating effects of pornography. In the early 1980's under the influence of feminism, pornography became a women's issue because it perpetuates the sexual exploitation of women. Only a short time later, some feminists (e.g. women artists and radical sexual groups) rallied to the defense of pornography and defended the freedom of expression. Although the legal reform was accomplished, the law should not be seen simply as a mechanism of repression which imposes reform. Rather, it should be seen as generating new collective identities and a new understanding that can transform the old order. references