In my BDSM ownership and symbols survey, 97 Dominant/submissive (D/s) people answered the following question:
Thinking of symbols of ownership in BDSM, to what extent do you agree with the following statements?
Their responses to each of the question’s statements was as follows:
Symbols of ownership can be used by anybody in any BDSM dynamic, for any purpose
36% of D/s people agreed with this statement. 21% were neutral and 43% disagreed.
Symbols of ownership are important symbols of commitment and permanence and should be worn and respected as such.
75% agreed (53% strongly). 18% were neutral and only 7% disagreed.
Symbols of ownership can be worn to indicate temporary ownership (for example in play sessions)
70% agreed (22% strongly); 16% were neutral and 13% disagreed
Symbols of ownership are fun and have no other special significance
Only 6% agreed (1% strongly). 19% were neutral. 76% disagreed (54% strongly)
Symbols of ownership should only be worn by the submissive partner(s)
33% agreed (quite a lot less than with M/s people). 40% responded neutrally and 21% disagreed.
Symbols of ownership can be worn by all partners
40% agreed (9% strongly). 39% were neutral and 20% disagreed (8% strongly disagreed)
A symbol of ownership can be anything the partner(s) agree on
84% agreed (strongly – 44%), 14% responded neutrally and 1% disagreed strongly.
A collar is the accepted BDSM symbol of ownership.
74% agreed (42% strongly). This was markedly lower than the ratings from S/m participants. 8% were neutral and 8% disagreed!
Further background on this question can be found here.
If you found this interesting or useful, please think about doing the BDSM and Money survey, on the impact of BDSM on people’s pockets. Current results will be visible once you have completed the survey
Related articles
- Collar wearing, what do submissives do? (belasarius.com)
- BDSM Ownership and Symbols Survey – are you owned? (belasarius.com)
- Collars, and other symbols of BDSM ownership. (belasarius.com)
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