Holes in kinky education: the role of pornography in learning about BDSM sexualities

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Sex Education

DOI

10.1080/14681811.2025.2461301

Abstract

This study adds to the limited literature on pornography’s role in initial and on-going learning about kink-related practices and cultures, through findings from an online international survey of 615 self-identified BDSM practitioners. Quantitative findings suggest gender and generational differences in the use of pornography for BDSM knowledge acquisition and how it shapes expectations. Additionally, participation in one’s local/public BDSM community decreased reliance on pornography for education. Qualitatively, while many respondents felt nothing was learned from pornography, others identified benefits related to acquiring general education about, and support for interest in, BDSM. Implications for sex and sexuality education and for healthy and safer BDSM practices are discussed.

Keywords

BDSM, education, kink, pornography, sexuality

Department

Justice Studies

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