Disorders, torments and delights: actors, networks, categories circulation and meaning disputes about sadomasochism in Brazil

• Grant number: 13/26405-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Anthropology - Urban Anthropology
• Principal researcher: Regina Facchini
• Grantee: Sarah Rossetti Machado
• Home Institution: Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas (IFCH). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 15/21046-4 - Disorders, torments and delights: actors, networks, categories circulation and meaning disputes about sadomasochism in Brazil, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

This project is a deployment of two years of undergraduating researches. It integrates studies of gender and sexuality at the interface with the anthropology of knowledge. Its empirical object is a network of practitioners of BDSM (bondage, discipline, domination, submission, sadism and masochism)/erotic sadomasochism. These practioners, by producing short stories, books, blogs and internet sites, put themselves publicly and, eventually, disputes senses related to the stigma and the pathologizing of their sexual behaviors. The project takes recent social processes in Brazilian society, with the general objective to contribute to knowing: 1) changes in social conventions of gender and sexuality; 2) production of individuals and 'communities' related to sexuality and legitimation strategies of sexual behaviors. The approach in relation to BDSM practitioners and their networks occurs by its textual production between the 1980's and 2000's, focusing on: 1) the composition of networks and dialogue between practitioners and actors like activists and scientists/professionals working in interface between sexuality and health; 2) categories' circulation and contention related to sadomasochism; 3) narrative's format variations and its contents, as well variations on the socio-political context and networks from which they are produced. The proposed methodology makes use of qualitative techniques, integrating: 1) document analysis of five Brazilian books written by practitioners of BDSM, published between 1980's and 2000's, of stories and letters to the editor published in erotic journals, and written or audiovisual material available on the Internet; 2) conduction and analysis of interviews with authors of the assayed production and with other practitioners.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MACHADO, Sarah Rossetti. De transtornos, tormentos e delícias: atores, redes e disputas de sentidos em torno do sadomasoquismo no Brasil (1980-2014). 2017. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas Campinas, SP.