The purpose of this paper is to explore how feminism and sexual identities intersect in sadomasochism in relation to religious and historical understanding of the sexual identities and spiritual positions of women. Specifically: If women can reclaim their sexual identity from their spiritual upbringing through BDSM as a form of liberation, can the ideology of spirituality be demolished as the inhibiting factor in the feminist consciousness of sexual identity? My research analyzes the history and roles of members in the BDSM community, expectations and positions of women in various religious contexts of Hinduism, and how eroticism is necessary for her sexual awakening. I will be using sadomasochism and BDSM interchangeably fitting to the fluidity …show more content…
The heading of BDSM is used as an umbrella term for a broad range of relationship styles; generally relating to enjoyment of physical control, psychological control, and/or pain. Many people within the community associate themselves with certain aspect of the acronym, such as a person who is only into D.S. (Dominant/Submission) play. Other diverse activities that fit under the term range from hair pulling or biting during sexual activity to behaviors that those outside of the community would consider “extreme” like “cock and ball …show more content…
India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature by writing the first literature, Kama Shastra aka Kama Sutra, which treated sexual intercourse as a science as well as specifically outlining the practices of BDSM. The Vedas, the Mahabharata and Ramayana, reveal moral perspectives on sexuality, marriage and fertility prayers; these epics had a huge impact on the culture of Asia. An excerpt of the Kama Shastra states that women should study these texts, it also goes into detail as to why they should study the text. Although many seem to think women are not “allowed to study any science” it states that women already know the practice of the texts and should practice the