Define sadism and masochism and trace their origins.

What will be an ideal response?


A sexual sadist is a person who derives sexual excitement and satisfaction from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on another person. The term "sadism" is derived from the name of the Marquis de Sade, who lived around the time of the French Revolution. Not only did he practice sadism-several women apparently died from his attentions-but he also wrote novels about these practices (the best known is "Justine"), thus ensuring his place in history. A sexual masochist is a person who is sexually aroused by fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving being beaten, humiliated, bound, or tortured to enhance or achieve sexual excitement. When this is experienced for at least six months and causes distress or impairment, it is a paraphilia. This variation is named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836-1895), who was himself a masochist and who wrote novels expressing his masochistic fantasies.

Interdisciplinary Studies

You might also like to view...

In a study by Meredith Chivers, in which the physiological arousal states of men and women were monitored, it was found that men and women differed in the type of imagery that physiologically aroused them. Which statement best describes the findings?

a. Any images of sex aroused women; only gender-specific images aroused men. b. Any images of sex aroused men; only gender-specific images aroused women. c. Any images of sex aroused both men and women. d. Only gender-specific images aroused both men and women.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Describe the three major responses that religions have made to the issue of homosexuality.

What will be an ideal response?

Interdisciplinary Studies

Suction devices have been developed as a treatment for

A. premature ejaculation. B. erectile disorders. C. dyspareunia. D. penile enlargement.

Interdisciplinary Studies

A society or cultural group in which women's desires are considered to be unimportant and physical sexual coercion is normative is called a ________.

A. gender inequality B. rape-free society C. feminist society D. rape-prone society E. sexual objectification

Interdisciplinary Studies