Safe, Sane and Consensual

DR. DARREN LANGDRIDGE is a lecturer in Social Psychology at the Open University, UK, and an existential psychotherapist. He is the author of Phenomenological Psychology: Theory, Research and Method (Pearson Education) as well as numerous papers on sexualities, the construction of 'the family' and existential psychotherapy. DR. MEG BARKER is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at London South Bank University, UK, and a trainee existential psychotherapist specialising in sex and relationship therapy. She is the author of Introductory Psychology (Learning Matters) as well as severa

'One could say that Safe, Sane and Consensual poses more questions than it answers, but it is not necessarily a criticism it was high time that these questions were asked, dispelling some damaging stereotypes in the process.' - Toni Brennan, Feminism & Psychology '[A]n impressive collection of empirical, theoretical, historical, clinical, personal, and legal perspectives on sadomasochism and related practices...The collection spans an impressive array of subjects, beginning with a section on the history and basic principles of S/M that would likely work well for graduate and undergraduate students as well as those unfamiliar with or underinformed about S/M... [B]oth in its scope and in its sensitivity to the multi-faceted dimensions of S/M practices, [it] offers a unique and much needed look at S/M as powerful, revealing, and nonpathological.' - Breanne Fahs, Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy 'The book is a valuable contribution to the field...In the face of a scarcity of research into S/M culture and practice, the book provides an excellent entry point into many of the discussions around S/M. Its didactic structure, its attempts to dispel common myths and stereotypes, and the lack of heavy theoretical jargon turns it a good teaching source.' - Christian Klesse, Sexualities

• SECTION I: INTRODUCING SADOMASOCHISM Situating Sadomasochism; D.Langdridge & M.Barker The Cultural Formation of S/M: History and Analysis; K.Sisson Themes of SM Expression; C.Moser & P.J.Kleinplatz Is SM Pathological?; P.J.Kleinplatz & C.Moser Sado-masochism and the Law; M.Weait SECTION II: THEORISING PAIN AND INJURY Speaking the Unspeakable: S/M and the Eroticisation of Pain; D.Langdridge The 'Bodily Practices' of Consensual 'SM', Spirituality and 'Transcendence'; A.Beckmann Beyond Safety: Erotic Asphyxiation and the Limits of SM Discourse; L.Downing SECTION III: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH Sexual Fantasies of S/M Practitioners: The Impact of Gender and S/M Role on Fantasy Content; M.R.Yost On Becoming a Gay SMer; A Sexual Scripting Perspective; E.Chaline Playgrounds and New Territories: the Potentaial of BDSM Practices to Queer Genders; R.Bauer SECTION IV: THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES The Power of Play: The Potentials and Pitfalls in Healing Narratives of BDSM M.Barker , C.Gupta & A.Iantaffi Shadowplay: S/M Journeys to Ourselves; D. Easton Some Beneficial Aspects of Exploring Personas and Role Play in the BDSM Context; W.A.Henkin SECTION V: BRIDGING THE ACADEMIC/ACTIVIST DIVIDE CARAS: An Initiative to Link Alternative Sexual Communities and Academic Researchers; R.A.Sprott & R.Bienvenu Turning the World Upside Down: Developing a Tool for Training about SM; M.Barker Who's in Charge in an SM Scene; Sophia SM and Sexual Freedom: A Life History; G.Denkinson Experiences of a Pro-Domme; M.Alize Total Power Exchange in a Modern Family: A Personal Persepctive; R.Green