Dominant (BDSM)

In human sexual behavior, a dominant is one who enjoys performing any of a variety of BDSM practices upon a submissive; or one who holds a dominant position within a relationship based upon dominance and submission (DS). This enjoyment can spring from a simple desire for dominance or an enjoyment of the interplay of wills involved in such a scenario. A male dominant is often called a dom; a female, a domme or dominatrix.

The main difference between a dominant and a top is that the dominant ostensibly does not follow instructions, although s/he is limited by what the submissive is willing to do.

There are some indications that preference in DS activities follows a 'compensatory' pattern, with people who have much power and responsibility in real life often preferring a submissive role; no hard scientific data to either confirm or reject this hypothesis seem to exist, however.

There are also indications that submissives substantially outnumber dominants, in both males and females. Professional dominants provide stimulatory services (which may or may not include sex) for those unable to find a compatible partner for this activity.

See also

*Top (BDSM)
*Bottom (BDSM)
*Switch (BDSM)
*Slave (BDSM)
*Female dominance
*Male dominance
*Domination and submission (BDSM)
*Sadomasochism

External links

* Dominant (BDSM) in specialist BDSM Wiki
* The Control Book'' by Peter Masters
* The Dominant's View - Ezine for Dominants
* Domsub.info - D/s Information and Resources