FemDom \ïÏï/ Dominatrix \ïÏï/ Humiliatrix

The term BDSM encompasses three distinct subcategories of behavior within its four letter cyclical acronym; BD (Bondage and Discipline), D/s (Dominance and submission), and SM (Sadomasochism or Sadism and Masochism). BDSM relationships may include any or all three categories and range from short term casual “play” encounters to fulltime “24/7” roles. BDSM behaviors are so diverse in content and underlying meaning that a concise, all-encompassing definition is difficult to devise.

Weinberg, Williams and Moser (1984), using the term SM, found five features that exist in most BDSM interactions. These features include:

1. Dominance and submission – the appearance of rule and obedience of one partner over the other.

2. Consensuality – a voluntary agreement to enter into SM “play” (interaction) and to honor certain “limits” (ground rules of how involved and in which direction the play can proceed).

3. Sexual content – the presumption that the activities have a sexual or erotic meaning for at least one participant.

4. Mutual definition – the assumption of a shared understanding by the participants that their activities are SM or a similar concept.

5. Role playing – the participants assume roles either for the interaction or for the relationship that they recognize may not be based in reality. (Weinberg, Williams, & Moser, 1984).

It is important to note that BDSM based relationships exist on a wide continuum of behaviors, genders, lifestyles and timelines. While these five elements may describe a large part of BDSM activities, they are not all encompassing.

A relationship that participants do not define as BDSM may include many of these features while another relationship may not. Some people enjoy a lifestyle that has an ongoing undertone of BDSM in everyday interactions while other people isolate their BDSM behavior to occasional sexual encounters (Kleinplatz & Moser, 2006).