Outline of BDSM

BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practising BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience.

Terminology and subtypes

The term BDSM is first recorded in a Usenet posting from 1991, and is interpreted as a combination of the abbreviations B/D (Bondage and Discipline), D/s (Dominance and submission), and S/M (Sadism and Masochism).

History

The origins of BDSM are discussed in both academic and popular culture. The historical origins of BDSM are obscure. From the records of ancient civilizations in the East and West, it is known that people have engaged in erotic, painful activities for thousands of years.

Practices

BDSM encompasses a wide range of fetish practices centered on domination and submission. Participants usually derive pleasure from this, even though many of the practices—such as inflicting pain or humiliation or being restrained—would be unpleasant under other circumstances.

Safety

The fundamental principles for the exercise of BDSM require that it should be performed with the informed consent of all involved parties. Some BDSM practitioners prefer a code of behavior that differs from "SSC" and is described as "risk-aware consensual kink" (RACK), indicating a preference for a style in which the individual responsibility of the involved parties is emphasized more strongly, with each participant being responsible for his or her own well-being.

In popular culture

BDSM has been featured in a number of media platforms, from films and television to music and literature. The most notable example in recent years is the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which features a BDSM relationship as its main plot point.

See also

• Bondage
• Dominance and submission
• Sadomasochism
• Fetishism
• Consent in BDSM