Women+in+Kink

Name: Hannah Kelly Tutor: Mangalam Sankupellay Student Number: n8091714 //Women In Kink: Should we be burning our latex bras? //

From ‘Condoms on Bananas’ to Negotiating Consent: Educating around safety and desire in human sexual relationships.

**TRIGGER WARNING: This Wiki will touch on aspects of violent sex and sexual assault. **



__//Cultural Artefact: //__ In 2011, artist Rihanna released her video clip for ‘S&M’ and topped charts the world over. The film depicts various scenes that associate themselves with BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadism and Masochism) play. Some scenes show Rihanna in a dominant role and others in a submissive. The video still focused on shows Rihanna participating in play as a dominatrix with multiple submissive men who are bound, gagged and filmed. Amidst praise and critique, Rihanna’s video brings ideas of kink sex and non-normative, less understood ideas of sexual expression into play.

__//Public Health Issue: //__ While sexual expression is often considered healthy and constructive (when practiced consensually), the popularisation of BDSM through mediums such as music, literature and film has evoked concern that there is promotion of gender inequality to the detriment of women. Gender norms and values have long impacted the health of women and can often be the single, most blatant obstacle for women achieving the same level of well-being as men (W.H.O, 2013). So, with the normalisation of violence in sex, ‘dominant’ and ‘submissive’ roles and verbal humiliation, one has to question: does kink fuel empowerment of women or sexism?

__//Literature Review//: __ The literature around the health impacts of practicing BDSM varies greatly. While many believe that expression of sexual desires and different sexual concepts are beneficial for health others argue that these sexual concepts are damaging the gender balance in society. Gender norms and values are flexible and in progressive societies this is often positive. However, if it is to begin shifting back to days where men were dominating the health outlook of women will be severely affected (W.H.O, 2013). With pop culture powered by sex appeal and the concept of kink sex being advocated for by artists Rihanna and Britney Spears as well as books such as 50 Shades of Grey, the impact on cultural gender norms needs to be considered.

The World Health Organization defines sexuality as, 'a central aspect of being human' and acknowledges that sexuality is expressed in a vast variety of ways including gender identities and roles, eroticism, pleasure and intimacy (W.H.O., 2010). While the concept of BDSM deviated from what is considered 'normal' in the mainstream, the same definition applies. The concept of kink sex is associated with the use of dominant and submissive roles, which manifest in many ways (Guidroz, 2009). ‘Play’, the practice of BDSM, extends along a spectrum from soft to hard-core; from emotional roles to more stereotypical scenes of latex and whips to the extremes of edge-play (Guidroz, 2009). Many in the kink community, in an attempt to avoid stereotyping, prefer to have those in the broader population consider kink along the lines of ‘eroticized, consensual exchange of power’ and not focus on the infliction of pain (Cross & Matheson, 2008). Newmahr discusses the rethinking of BDSM as ‘serious leisure’, a concept developed by Robert A. Stebbins that details the idea of durable or ongoing benefits as a result of leisure (Newmahr, 2010). Sexual expression, as an extension of one’s self-expression, develops the sense of empowerment and accomplishment on and individual level (Newmahr, 2010). Blogger Sylvia Fox also develops the idea of empowerment, stating that practicing kink is exercising freedom of choice which is a liberating experience in itself (Fox, 2012). Fox explains the basis of kink relationships lies in trust and understanding and highlights there is nothing unhealthy in the choice to participate in a somewhat alternative sex life (Fox, 2012). Within the kink community there is also the associated sense of belonging with social attraction and social interaction built from the acceptance of others with similar desires (Newmahr, 2010). It is within in the kink community that a lot of the negative health aspects associated with a marginalized orientation (Newmahr, 2010).

Alternative to the idea of empowerment through sexual expression is the thought that BDSM promotes negative gender roles. Sexologist Vern Bullough suggests that the desires to inflict or suffer pain are expressions of “normal” masculinity and adhering to gender inequality trends whereby women are subject to violence and injustice from men (Guidroz, 2009; Cross & Matheson, 2008). While there is a difference between sexual assault and consensual violence in BDSM, the popularisation of violence in sex needs to be acknowledged as well as the historical aspects that have led to the development of kink (Wilkinson, 2009). The kink community tries to make it known that BDSM play is done through a basis of respect and understanding but with the majority of the population only understanding kink from the context of their TV screens it is fair to assume that the guidelines of kink culture go unseen (Wilkinson, 2009; Fox, 2012). Practice is often linked to domestic violence, with some calling it 'consensual D.V.' (Wakeman, 2013).

‘Now, the bedroom does not exist in a vacuum. The door to your boudoir does not hermetically seal itself on your admittance,’ says Fox highlighting the extreme difficulty in dividing what is accepted in society from what is accepted behind closed doors in consenting kink relationships (Fox, 2012). The Western world is becoming increasingly sexualized, aided by the representation through different pop-culture mediums such as literature, film and music (Wilkinson, 2009). Researcher Eleanor Wilkinson states that in the acceptance of sexualisation, society also inherits the marginalisation of genders within (Wilkinson, 2009). This is where concern builds from the pop culture fascination with kink; will the representation of kink sex shape the attitudes of society? If the themes of female submission and sub ordinance seep from the representation seen in pop culture, what impact will this have on women?

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The literature shows that there are many polarising views on how kink sex is seen to society, with no clear evidence to suggest that this sexualisation is creating a gender divide. Without clear cut evidence to say definitively if the negative side effects of BDSM, more research will need to be done to ensure that it does not lead to a shift in gender equality. However it is clear that all who commentate on the issues of gender inequality know that it is a very real problem and that if there is stimulation of this within pop culture it needs to be ratified.

__//<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Cultural and Social Analysis: //__ <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Gender inequality is still one of the most prominent forms of discrimination and injustice in the world, and is hugely detrimental to the health of women (Oxfam, 2013). While opinions vary in the feminist world around kink sex, there are many from a radical feminist perspective that sees kink sex practice as being anti-feminist, adhering to the idea that society is a patriarchal framework that favours men to the detriment of women. Connections are being queried about the apparent rape culture and other sexual trends that is being seen in Western countries as well as the powerful portrayal of kink in pop culture (Roberts, 2013; Valenti, 2013; Liberation Collective, 2013).

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Lierre Keith, a radical feminist activist, has expressed her concern for the impact these gender roles are having stating, 'Gender is who gets to be human, and who gets to be hurt' (Keith, 2012). It is this same concern that arises from the extensive representation of kink sex in the media, with artists like Rihanna singing about it to books charged with submissive scenes topping bestseller lists. The gender expectations represented in some aspects of mainstream culture, such as in hit song 'Yeah!' when lyrics state, 'We want a lady in the streets but a freak in the bed', show that there is an ongoing pressure to conform to these ideas that society asks of women (Wilkinson, 2009; Usher, 2007). These gender ideas are reflective of a patriarchal society whereby women are subordiate and adhere to the expectations of men; where violence and rape are normalized in a way that breaks women. In Western Cultures where rape culture is growing alongside aspects of domestic violence, the reason women fear the portrayal of these less understood concepts of sex, such as sadomasochism, is fair (Roberts, 2013; Liberation Collective, 2013). Pearson talks profoundly about how she does not feel safe watching how females are portrayed in popular culture and how the concept of rape is normalized right before her eyes (Pearson, 2000). The way violence and sex are contorted as one on screens sends messages that should not be underestimated (Pearson, 2000).

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">It would seem that if the normalization of cultural values that are detrimental to women can be formed by relentless presence in the mainstream media and entertainment industry, fire could be fought with fire from a public health perspective. The power of education is paramount when dealing with issues such as lesser known sexual orientations. Populations are not consistent homogenous groups and to debunk stereotypes and stop inequality there need to persistent conversation and promotion (NSW Department of Education and Communities, 2011). Through widespread sexual education, public health practitioners should be able to ensure the promotion of gender equality and healthy sexual relationships. Discussion of media regulation has also been considered throughout analysis of these issues, however no conclusive evidence has been found to say that this would be beneficial especially when internet access is considered (Wilkinson, 2009).

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">It is important that the severity of gender inequality is addressed. By looking at the issue from a radical feminist view point, it is possible to see how detrimental the effect of gender inequality has been and could be in our future. Through the promotion of understanding of different sexual orientations and how aspects of popular culture need to be assessed critically, healthier sexual relationships can be built and gender equality maintained.

__//<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Analysis of Artefact and Reflection: //__ <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">'Being submissive in the bedroom is really fun. You get to be a little lady, to have someone macho and in charge of your st,' says artist Rihanna (Rolling Stone, 2010). Rihanna represents two sides of feminist perspective: For some, she is an empowered, kink positive woman while to others she is causing a skew in gender equality. Her sexuality is publicised and may perhaps influence others, positively or negatively. Realistically, no solid line can be drawn to separate sexual lives from the rest of our being and the same goes for what is seen in popular culture and our own personal desires. The health aspects of kink sex practice are also disputed, with those inside the kink community believing they are empowered through their sexual expression while others of the wider population believe that it is the prevalence of kink that promotes rape cultural and domestic violence.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Perhaps the greatest problem lies in the interpretation of kink, and that those within the community reap the benefits while those in the broader, less kink aware population have to navigate the pressures of the less understood. Ultimately, we need to assess artefacts such as Rihanna’s song, ‘S&M’ critically to see the boundaries and the context.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">So, while we do not have the power to change what others do and what ideas are projected in the mainstream, we can be empowered in ourselves to learn; to understand and educate about other sexual orientations so as to promote positive sexual relationships and gender equality for ourselves and those around us.

__<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">//References//: __

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Bray, A. & Reist, M. T. (2012). Big Porn Inc: Exposing the Harms of the Global Pornography Industry. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Cross, P. A. & Matheson, K. (2008). Understanding sadomasochism: an empirical examination of four perspectives. //Journal of Homosexuality, 50//(2), 133-166.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Fox, S. (2012). Reconciling feminism with an interest in BDSM. Retrieved from http://feminspire.com/reconciling-feminism-with-an-interest-in-bdsm/

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Guidroz, K. (2009). Sadomasochism. In J. O'Brien (Ed.), Encyclopedia of gender and society. (pp. 727-729). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/10.4135/9781412964517.n365

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Keith, L. (2012). Lierre Keith speaks on patriarchy and gender at the radfem reboot 2012 conference. Retrieved from http://smashesthep.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/lierre-keith-speaks-on-patriarchy-and-gender-at-the-radfem-reboot-2012-conference/

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Liberation Collective. (2013). BDSM is violence against women. Retrieved from http://liberationcollective.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/bdsm-is-violence-against-women/#more-8184

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Newmahr, S. (2010). Rethinking kink: sadomasochism as serious leisure. //Qualitative Sociology//. DOI: 10.1007/s11133-010-9158-9

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">NSW Department of Education and Communities. (2011). Inclusive Education. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/sexual_health/inclusive/index.htm

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Oxfam. (2013). Gender equality. Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/gender-equality/

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Pearson, A. (2000). Rape culture: Media and message. //Off our Backs, 30//, 13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197128320?accountid=13380

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">RihannaVEVO. (2011). Rihanna - S&M [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdS6HFQ_LUc

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Roberts, S. (2013). When rape culture meets pop culture: As TV cranks up sex violence, rape is minimised in offhand jokes or examined in plots. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http:search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/1355706330?accountid=13380

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Rolling Stone. (2010). Rihanna spill sex life secrets: 'I like to be tied up and spanked'. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://entertainment.msn.co.nz/blog.aspx?blogentryid=806462&showcomments=true

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">UsherVEVO. (2007). Usher - yeah! Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o314ZqHp1-0

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> Valenti, J. (2013). America's rape problem: we refuse to admit there is one. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> http://www.thenation.com/blog/172024/americas-rape-problem-we-refuse-admit-there-one

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">W.H.O. (2013). Gender, women and health: why gender and health? Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gender/genderandhealth/en/

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">W.H.O. (2010). Sexual and reproductive health: defining sexual health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/index.html

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Wakeman, J. (2009). First time for everything: getting spanked. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://www.thefrisky.com/2009-06-01/first-time-for-everything-spanking/

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Wilkinson, E. (2009). Perverting visual pleasure: representing sadomasochism. //Sexualities, 12//(2), 181-198.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Close the Gap, a Campaign 200 Years Late: http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64707068 <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Harm reduction, Injecting Drug Use & Rick Environments: http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64706636
 * //Reflections//**: