The author explains the attitudes, beliefs, and values that are involved with the creation of Bondage/Discipline/Dominance/Submission or Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) activities. This dissertation demonstrates the negotiation processes that occurs, and how BDSM practitioners maintain the boundaries formed in the negotiation in order to satisfy those who are involved with BDSM activities. Meaning that the author wants to understand how BDSM practitioners maintain the set boundaries of their safe play without going overboard and harming one another. This dissertation also attempts to understand the concept of harm and coercion of practitioners of BDSM; the author analyzes the degree and the consequences of unintended harm, whether it is done physically,
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Holt mentions that although previous studies have attempted to explain the values and beliefs of the BDSM community, not many have discussed the harm at occurs in BDSM. Holt also explains that some of the terms used to describe physical and emotional abuse are vague. Such as violence, since it depends on the definition of who is being harmed; therefore, making violence a subjective experience that cannot be easily categorized. She also mentions that there are gender differences in how violence is used. Holt then goes on to explain what S&M and BDSM is to the reader, and how those who practice tend to call it BDSM instead of S&M because it more accurately covers the diverse practices. She explains that the pain felt during BDSM activities is understood to be a sexual stimulant. As well as where the image of the gay leather BDSM image originated from. Holt continues on to explain the portrayal of BDSM in the media. It is looked up with disgust while at the same time with curiosity; Holt compares this to human’s fascination with …show more content…
Holt continues on to explain the theatrical elements of BDSM, the pathologization of BDSM, social explanations of BDSM, BDSM regarding feminism, BDSM as a social interaction, as a sexual adventure, and the laws involved with practicing BDSM. A qualitative study is done to answer the question: how do participants negotiate and maintain the boundaries without overdoing it and harming one another while being mutually satisfied? Holt mentions that there are events where BDSM practitioners attend to socialize, and attend the educational workshops and lectures. By contacting the organizers of the events, the author was able to get in contact with participants who would be willing to part take in her study. Holt observed the willing participants at the events while the participants attended workshops, educational events, played parties, and went to bars. After completing the observations, Holt conducted semi-structured interviews with participants through phone, skype, and some in
Holt mentions that although previous studies have attempted to explain the values and beliefs of the BDSM community, not many have discussed the harm at occurs in BDSM. Holt also explains that some of the terms used to describe physical and emotional abuse are vague. Such as violence, since it depends on the definition of who is being harmed; therefore, making violence a subjective experience that cannot be easily categorized. She also mentions that there are gender differences in how violence is used. Holt then goes on to explain what S&M and BDSM is to the reader, and how those who practice tend to call it BDSM instead of S&M because it more accurately covers the diverse practices. She explains that the pain felt during BDSM activities is understood to be a sexual stimulant. As well as where the image of the gay leather BDSM image originated from. Holt continues on to explain the portrayal of BDSM in the media. It is looked up with disgust while at the same time with curiosity; Holt compares this to human’s fascination with …show more content…
Holt continues on to explain the theatrical elements of BDSM, the pathologization of BDSM, social explanations of BDSM, BDSM regarding feminism, BDSM as a social interaction, as a sexual adventure, and the laws involved with practicing BDSM. A qualitative study is done to answer the question: how do participants negotiate and maintain the boundaries without overdoing it and harming one another while being mutually satisfied? Holt mentions that there are events where BDSM practitioners attend to socialize, and attend the educational workshops and lectures. By contacting the organizers of the events, the author was able to get in contact with participants who would be willing to part take in her study. Holt observed the willing participants at the events while the participants attended workshops, educational events, played parties, and went to bars. After completing the observations, Holt conducted semi-structured interviews with participants through phone, skype, and some in