Gini Scott
Related: heterosexual - sadomasochism
In her 1983 book Erotic Power, sociologist Gini Scott examined the dynamics of the heterosexual SM subculture. She stated:
"Unlike the psychiatrists and psychologists who deal primarily with psychologically troubled individuals who are also interested in D&S [Dominance and Submission], I did not find them to be psychologically troubled or socially inept; rather, a spirit of good humor and fun prevailed, and the participants appeared to be mostly attractive, quite ordinary-looking people who had ordinary relationships outside the D&S scene... A vast variety of people with a diverse range of erotic interests participate in sadomasochiSM. Their backgrounds, activities and attitudes are quite unlike the social stereotype that depicts sadomasochiSM as a form of violence, mischief, or mayhem perpetrated by the psychologically unstable who seek to hurt others or to be hurt themselves... At the core of the community are mostly sensible, rational respectable, otherwise quite ordinary people. Thus, quite unlike its public image, the community is a warm, close and supportive one."
Gini Scott (1983). Erotic Power, Citadel Press: pg. x.
Books
- Erotic Power: An Exploration of Dominance & Submission - Gini Graham Scott [Amazon US]
The title, Erotic Power: An exploration of Dominance and Submission, while accurate is somewhat misleading. Its primary emphasis is on the Female Dominant/male submissive area of what currently comes under the general heading of BDSM. Those who are seeking a broader overview of erotic power and its place in BDSM would be better served by reading one of the more current titles available. Originally published in 1980 and revised and updated in 1997, it still lacks in being a comprehensive overview of the subject of erotic power exchange due to its limited scope. At best I would suggest this only as a primer for those interested in learning about Female Dominance and male submission. --An Amazon.com customer
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