Description
Book SynopsisThis book includes work on sadomasochism from across the social sciences including discussions of the history and culture of SM, medical and legal issues, along with theory and original research on the topic. With contributions from academics, practitioners and activists, this book represents some of the most recent cutting edge work in the field.
Trade Review'One could say that Safe, Sane and Consensual poses more questions than it answers, but it is not necessarily a criticism it was high time that these questions were asked, dispelling some damaging stereotypes in the process.' - Toni Brennan, Feminism & Psychology
'[A]n impressive collection of empirical, theoretical, historical, clinical, personal, and legal perspectives on sadomasochism and related practices...The collection spans an impressive array of subjects, beginning with a section on the history and basic principles of S/M that would likely work well for graduate and undergraduate students as well as those unfamiliar with or underinformed about S/M... [B]oth in its scope and in its sensitivity to the multi-faceted dimensions of S/M practices, [it] offers a unique and much needed look at S/M as powerful, revealing, and nonpathological.' - Breanne Fahs, Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy
'The book is a valuable contribution to the field...In the face of a scarcity of research into S/M culture and practice, the book provides an excellent entry point into many of the discussions around S/M. Its didactic structure, its attempts to dispel common myths and stereotypes, and the lack of heavy theoretical jargon turns it a good teaching source.' - Christian Klesse, Sexualities
Table of ContentsSECTION I: INTRODUCING SADOMASOCHISM Situating Sadomasochism; D.Langdridge & M.Barker The Cultural Formation of S/M: History and Analysis; K.Sisson Themes of SM Expression; C.Moser & P.J.Kleinplatz Is SM Pathological?; P.J.Kleinplatz & C.Moser Sado-masochism and the Law; M.Weait SECTION II: THEORISING PAIN AND INJURY Speaking the Unspeakable: S/M and the Eroticisation of Pain; D.Langdridge The 'Bodily Practices' of Consensual 'SM', Spirituality and 'Transcendence'; A.Beckmann Beyond Safety: Erotic Asphyxiation and the Limits of SM Discourse; L.Downing SECTION III: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH Sexual Fantasies of S/M Practitioners: The Impact of Gender and S/M Role on Fantasy Content; M.R.Yost On Becoming a Gay SMer; A Sexual Scripting Perspective; E.Chaline Playgrounds and New Territories: the Potentaial of BDSM Practices to Queer Genders; R.Bauer SECTION IV: THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES The Power of Play: The Potentials and Pitfalls in Healing Narratives of BDSM M.Barker , C.Gupta & A.Iantaffi Shadowplay: S/M Journeys to Ourselves; D. Easton Some Beneficial Aspects of Exploring Personas and Role Play in the BDSM Context; W.A.Henkin SECTION V: BRIDGING THE ACADEMIC/ACTIVIST DIVIDE CARAS: An Initiative to Link Alternative Sexual Communities and Academic Researchers; R.A.Sprott & R.Bienvenu Turning the World Upside Down: Developing a Tool for Training about SM; M.Barker Who's in Charge in an SM Scene; Sophia SM and Sexual Freedom: A Life History; G.Denkinson Experiences of a Pro-Domme; M.Alize Total Power Exchange in a Modern Family: A Personal Persepctive; R.Green
