A book that dispels the myths about those who
prefer to go beyond “vanilla” sex
Sadomasochism:
Powerful Pleasures is a comprehensive exploration of the
entire sexual subculture that lies on the cutting edge
of society. The mental health professions and society
have marginalized people who practice sadomasochism
(SM).This interdisciplinary collection dispels myths
surrounding SM, bringing together leading scholars from
the fields of sexology, psychology, sociology, and
medicine, alongside queer studies and sexual minority
advocacy. Experts such as Thomas S. Weinberg, PhD, Susan
Wright, MA, Margaret Nichols, PhD, Odd Reiersol, PhD,
Svein Skeid, Rebecca F. Plante, PhD, Niklas Nordling,
MPsych, and N. Kenneth Sandnabba, PhD, among other
stellar authorities, reveal research findings, clinical
data, and critical thinking about sexuality that lies
beyond “vanilla.”
To gain a broader understanding
of human sexuality, the study of SM is crucial for what
it reveals about us as sexual beings. The text discusses
the results of research into practitioners’ behaviors
and perspectives, the prevalence of SM behaviors in
today’s culture, and stresses the need for greater
tolerance and understanding. The realization of SM
desires and their acceptance are explored in detail.
This unflinching look at the world and the people of SM
will guide scholars and lay people alike into a more
sensitive, sex-friendly viewpoint of the people society
calls “kinky.”
Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures
answers questions such as:
- What is the nature of SM relationships?
- What are the values and motives of SM
participants?
- How do mental health professionals regard and
treat SM practitioners?
- Should sadomasochism continue to be classified as
a mental illness?
- What is the legal status of SM and what are the
consequences of discrimination against SM
practitioners?
- Does increasing visibility of SM imagery decrease
stigma or create added problems?
- What can ordinary lovers learn from those we have
marginalized about the farther reaches of human erotic
potential?
Sadomasochism: Powerful
Pleasures is valuable, insightful reading for mental
health professionals, students, sex educators, sex
counselors, sex therapists, sex researchers, sexual
health workers, sociologists, sexual minority groups,
and anyone interested in learning more about the sexual
pleasures that lie beyond the traditional.