Expert: arani_CsA - 9/6/2007

Question
Hi, As my interests lay with sociology and psychology (not an expert though) I’d like to know what social characteristics are in common with those that are submissive and those with dominant inclination. Is there any relation to social status, upbringing, childhood events or anything else that joins these two groups of people with so many different needs and desires?

I vaguely recall that some 3 to 4 years ago on one of the BDSM blogs someone created a huge questionnaire with behavioural and attitude questions. Soon after this person disappeared and I had no chance to ask what did he or she found out.

I’d appreciate if you could direct me to a source or give me an answer on this.

Thanks.

Answer
Hello…

I do recall, a few years ago, seeing a website with a questionnaire such as you mentioned, but I don’t have any idea where you could find it, or if it even still exists.  I do think you could find some information of the sort you’re looking for on Gloria Brame’s website (http://www.gloria-brame.com).  She has a Ph.D. in clinical sexology, works as a professional counselor dealing with kink-related topics, and has published extensively on the lifestyle.  I’m sure you could find a reference to sociological or psychological studies there.

Speaking personally, I have known a great deal of people in the lifestyle, from all walks of life.  I have known rich people and poor folks, professionals and those in menial labor as well as the unemployed, mentally disturbed as well as supremely healthy, and so on.  Some were abused as children, but many were not.  Basically, I think that if you took a cross-section of kinky folks as a whole, you would find very similar percentages of characteristics that you would find in any population.  We kinky folk are no different from those who share any common interest, whether it be golden showers or breeding rare cats.  And you will find that there are those who identify themselves as submissives or slaves, but who are not at all masochistic.  Similarly, some may simply enjoy a little kinky play in the bedroom, while others will seek a full-blown Master/slave relationship such as my husband and I.

I, myself, am involved in research having to do with an altogether different field of interest.  I have learned that it is possible to construct a questionnaire or research study to prove just about any hypothesis you might present.  You just have to be careful how you construct your sample population.  I would be interested in learning about any research you do uncover in your search.  I wish you much luck.

arani_CsA,
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