Unmasking BDSM: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of gender politics within Domination and Submission

Background: In traditional heterosexual relationships, penetrative sex can be seen as creating a power dynamic between men as the dominant penetrator and women as the submissive receiver. Men are seen as the dominant and powerful sex, whereas women are seen as permissive and submissive. By considering BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism) power play dynamics, these power differences between the sexes are exaggerated and the power structures within gender can be explored.

Methodology: By using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis with a social constructionist epistemology, and a dark social constructionist ontology, the theme of gender and power is explored through the lens of BDSM. Three studies are presented, one analysing BDSM within film, one analysing BDSM in the news and law, and finally one analysing interviews with women identifying as BDSM participants (dominant, submissive and switch).

Results: Three themes were developed in Study One - Film. Theme One, Pathology and Trauma highlights that films construct people engaging with BDSM as pathological or having a trauma response. Within this theme Dominants are always men and Submissives are always Women. Theme Two, Manipulation and Vulnerability highlighted that films construct men as sexually manipulative compared with women who are physically and emotionally vulnerable. Theme Three, Race and Kink highlights that films construct kink as a white phenomenon, which is abusive.

Four themes were developed in Study Two – News and Film. Theme One, Pathology of “Other” highlights that the media constructs killers as abnormal, using a Serial Killer Narrative. Theme Two, Removing the Victims Agency and Sexuality highlights that the media construct women as vulnerable and easily taken advantage of by men. Within this theme women lack sexuality. Theme Three, Get Out of Jail Free Card highlights that the media constructs men as inherently wanting to harm women, and using legal loopholes as a method to negate or limit consequences. Theme Four, She Asked for It highlights that the media constructs women who are sexual and choose to engage with kink are responsible for their own abuse or death because female sexuality is abnormal.

Four Themes were developed in Study Three – Experience. Theme One, Vanilla Gaze and the Othering of Divergence constructs media as responsible for appropriating stereotyped representation of BDSM participants created by people with no experience of BDSM. Theme Two, The Continuum of Roles breaks down the perceived boundaries of rigid BDSM roles (Sub/Dom) and highlights that they fit on a spectrum that can be engaged with in various ways. Theme Three, Orchestrating Pleasure highlights the importance of communication, balance of power, and consent. Theme Four, A Mindful Experience highlights that BDSM practice is fundamentally separate from sex. It is a mindful practice that can be sued to enhance sex, but also all life experiences.

As this thesis reframes underlying understanding of power in BDSM as a spectrum, rather than bound roles that are fixed and driven by personal characteristics/personality types. much of the current literature on roles can be reconsidered. Additionally, as BDSM is positioned as a practice separate to, but enhancing sex, which enables participants to relax, key elements could be extrapolated to help people manage mental workload and be an alternative to meditation. Lastly, producers of media content should be mindful of how they construct characters and storylines around communities that they are not members of. People who practice BDSM should be involved in shaping the way they are represented through the media to ensure that incorrect information and negative stereotypes are not perpetuated.