The issue of whether women are degrading themselves by consenting to be photographed for any magazine is irrelevant when we consider the question of legislation. If fully consenting adult females choose to pose for pornographic magazines then that should be their business and theirs only. Feminists of the MacKinnon and Dworkin variety claim that soft-core pornography is not merely harmful for pornographic models, it is harmful to society. It reinforces negative male attitudes towards women and it increases the incidence of sex crimes. These are weak claims.
Men bring deep-rooted attitudes towards women to pornography.
It is not the case that pornography causes men to hold attitudes towards women. Eliminate pornography and negative attitudes towards women will not disappear. There are many men who hold appropriate attitudes towards women. This is evidenced by their extreme sensitivity to important feminist issues such as equal pay for women, sufficient childcare facilities etc. These same men regularly use magazines such as Penthouse and Playboy.