The dominant paradigm (BDSM pun intended)

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Originally uploaded by crazyemt

I’m reading this lovely book on sadomasochism and I just can’t get over the discussion on whether SM is pathological (Kleinplatz & Moser).

How did this idea permeate science?

To some, even the question must seem absurd. It is already a foregone conclusion. Sexual sadism and sexual masochism have been classified as pathological by the various editions of the major psychiatric nosologies (…)
(source - p. 55)

Why is this reminiscent of Kuhn and his Structure of Scientific Revolutions? Oh, I know so many people disputed him but on a basic level (though not a fundamental one) I think he makes sense.

what sorts of ideas were thinkable at a particular time? What sorts of intellectual options and strategies were available to people during a given period? What types of lexicons and terminology were known and employed during certain epochs? Stressing the importance of not attributing modern modes of thought to historical actors, Kuhn’s book argues that the evolution of scientific theory does not emerge from the straightforward accumulation of facts, but rather from a set of changing intellectual circumstances and possibilities. Such an approach is largely commensurate with the general historical school of non-linear history.
(source)

I really like Kuhn’s idea about a group of scientists who subscribe to a dominant paradigm – anyone who goes against the norm is usually left out.

At present, Western clinicians tend to think of ‘normal’ sexuality as monogamous, procreation-oriented intercourse, featuring the heterosexual, young (but not too young) and able – bodied.
(source – p.55)

The dominant paradigm, or rather – and here is the catch – the dominant cultural paradigm being about ‘normality’ – how are empirical studies around S/M constructed?

Apparently there is “lack of evidence that SMers are any more psychologically unhealthy than others (Gosselin & Wilson, 1980; Moser & Levitt, 1987)” (source, p. 3) but I am wondering how a deeply ingrained Westernised (not to mention victorian in some cases) view of ethics and sex affect the dominant paradigm around S/M.

Don’t get stuck in the type either – I just happen to be reading about S/M. Did you know for example that homosexuality was also considered pathological by the same major psychiatric nosologies just a few years ago?

Kinda makes you think doesn’t it?