Women's perspectives of BDSM power exchange

Using ethnographic methods and feminist theory, this research analyzes women's sexual identities and power within the context ofBDSM (bondage/discipline, dominant/submissive, sadist/masochist) power exchange relationships. This research expands upon the work of Taylor and Ussher (200 1 ), Langridge and Butt (2004 ), Cross and I\1atheson (2006) a��1d others, focusing on BDSM as a social, not psychological, phenomenon. I argue women who engage in these relationships and identities are furthering the ideals of third wave feminism, exploring sexuality on their own terms.