BDSM practices include psychological and physiological facets:
Bondage & Discipline (B & D)
Dominance and Submission (D&S)
Sadism and Masochism (or Sadomasochism) (S&M)
This model of differentiation between these three aspects of BDSM practices is increasingly used in the literature today. Nevertheless, it is only an attempt at phenomenological differentiation. Individual tastes and preferences in the area of sexuality may overlap between these areas, which are discussed separately here.
Table des matières
Bdsm practices: bondage and discipline
Bondage and discipline are two aspects of BDSM practices that do not seem to relate to one another due to the nature of the activities involved, but they have conceptual similarities, and that is why they appear together.
The term « slavery » describes the bdsm practices of physical restraint. Bondage is generally, but not always, a sexual practice. Although slavery is a very popular variation in the field of BDSM practices, it is nevertheless sometimes differentiated from the rest of this field. Studies of BDSM practices conducted in the United States have shown that almost half of all men find the idea of bondage erotic, the same holds true for women.
The term « discipline » describes psychological restraint, through the use of rules and punishment to control behavior. Punishment can be physically caused pain (such as caning), psychologically induced humiliation (such as public flogging), or physically caused loss of freedom (eg chaining the submissive partner to the foot of a bed).
Bdsm practices: domination and submission
« Dominance and Submission » (also known as D & S or D / S) is a set of behaviors, customs and rituals related to the granting and acceptance of control of one individual over another in a context erotic or lifestyle. It explores the more mental aspect of BDSM. This is also the case in many relationships that do not consider themselves to be sadomasochistic, it is considered part of BDSM if it is performed on purpose. The range of its individual characteristics is thus very wide.
Examples of bdsm practices are educational games, in which the dominant demands certain forms of behavior from the submissive. The most established and probably the most cliché form of gambling is slavery. These games can be administered for the short duration of a session between partners, but can also be integrated into everyday life. It also happens that BDSM leads to total submission.
Consensual submission is sometimes shown to others by symbols indicating his / her belonging to the dominant, such as wearing a necklace, tattoos, special piercings, a very short haircut or a bald head.
Often the » slavery contracts Are formalized in writing affirming their shared vision of the dynamics of the relationship. The purpose of this type of agreement is primarily to encourage discussion and negotiation in advance, and then to document that understanding for the benefit of all parties. These documents have not been recognized as legally binding, nor are they intended to be. These agreements are binding in the sense that the parties have the hope that the negotiated rules will be followed. Often, other friends and community members can witness the signing of such a document at a ceremony.
In general, compared to conventional relationships, BDSM participants go to great lengths to negotiate important aspects of their relationships in advance, and to take great care in learning and adhering to safe bdsm practices.
Bdsm practices: sadomasochism
The term sadomasochism is derived from the word sadism and masochism. In the context of consensual erotic activities, sadism and masochism are not strictly exact terms, there is a significant difference in the medical or psychological use of these two terms. Sadomasochism refers to the aspects of BDSM surrounding the exchange of physical or emotional pain. Sadism describes the sexual pleasure obtained by inflicting pain, degradation, humiliation on another person or causing suffering. On the other hand, the masochist enjoys being hurt, humiliated. Sado-masochistic scenes sometimes reach a level that feels more extreme or cruel than other forms of BDSM – for example, when a masochist is brought to tears or severely bruised.
The discipline often incorporates sadomasochistic aspects, although some sadomasochists distance themselves from bdsm practices of domination and submission.
Bdsm practices: the physical aspects of BDSM
We often equate BDSM with pain, which is totally wrong. More often than not, BDSM practitioners are primarily motivated by potency, humiliation, and pleasure. Of the three categories of BDSM practice only sadomasochism expressly requires pain, but it is typically a vehicle for feelings of humiliation, domination, etc.
Aspects of Domination / Submission and Bondage / Discipline may not include physical suffering at all. Many BDSM practices may not involve pain or humiliation, but only the exchange of powers. During activities, practitioners may feel surges of endorphins comparable to those experienced by marathon runners. This state of mental trance is also known as “sub-space” for submission, or “top space” for the dominant. Some people use the term « body stress » to describe this physiological sensation. This experience is important, but it is not the only motivation for many BDSM practitioners. The philosopher Edmund Burke defines this sensation of pleasure derived from pain by the word sublime.
During BDSM practice sessions, the Top or Dominant exposes the bottom or is subjected to a wide range of sensual impressions, for example: pinching, biting, scratching with fingernails, spanking or the use of various objects such as riding crops , whips, liquid wax, ice cubes, erotic electrostimulation or others. Attachment by handcuffs, ropes or chains can be used.
The repertoire of SM accessories is only limited by the imagination of the two partners. To some extent, everyday items like clothespins, wooden spoons or plastic wrap are used as SM accessories.
