Generally, “perversion” – refers from the Latin “perversus“, which meant “perverted” or “turned upside down” – to a twisting or reversal of the normal state, implying behaviour that is contrary to the generally accepted norm.
But who decides what is considered normative behaviour? Basically, it is society itself. Despite progressive attitudes in recent decades, it is still full of prejudices. People who behave differently or are different from the majority of the population are often called strange or even perverted, not only in the sexual sphere. Being different arouses incomprehension and fear. Behaviour or things that cannot be understood often lead to defensive reactions and the stigmatisation of the deviant.
An explanation of whether being perverted is a disease
Although the term “kinky” definitely describes a sexual difference, “kinky” does not exclusively have a sexual context. In the sexual context, it refers to “unnatural” practices such as masochism, exhibitionism or fetishism, sexuality and also to behaviour that does not conform to the moral consensus of the majority. Outside of sexuality, unconventional preferences can also be considered perverted, even criminal and heinous acts can be described as such. In everyday life, the word is also used in a casual context to describe particularly unconventional preferences. All uses express an otherness and a preference for something labelled as “wrong”.
In the BDSM field, certain kinks and practices of vanillas are often considered deviant and alienating. These unusual and sometimes bizarre or absurd acts thus receive the label “perverse“.
Description
This can often cause feelings of guilt in those affected, as they do not conform to the usual norm. Many suppress their tendencies out of shame and fear of rejection, which can lead to enormous pressure and psychological problems. But is it really perverted, abnormal or unusual for one, two or more people – by mutual consent and voluntarily – to prefer practices that are not common in the bedroom? Does society have the right to condemn?
Even in psychology, deviant sexual behaviour is no longer called perversion. And therapy is only recommended when severe psychological distress occurs.
So if you want to live out fantasies with your partner that are called perversions, you should leave the opinions of your fellow men aside. And enjoy the departure from so-called normality. Let your imagination run wild and respect the principle of “safe, sane, consensual”. Which should be the basis of every (sexual) relationship. If you act responsibly, with a clear mind and consensually, without forcing anyone to act, you can live out your fantasies without guilt.
When is perverse also really sick?
The classification of perversion as pathological depends on various factors. In the past, the term was often used in psychology to describe deviant sexual behaviour as pathological. Nowadays, however, it is assumed that there is no specific sexual act per se that can be described as pathological. Instead, attention is usually paid to the context and the impact on the person involved or on other people.
For example, if a person suffers from their sexual preference or if their actions cause harm to others, this can be considered pathological. However, if someone is in control of their sexual fantasies and inclinations and is acting out consensually with a partner without harming anyone, then this is not usually considered pathological.
It is important to emphasise that the classification of perversion as pathological is a complex issue and depends on many individual factors. It is recommended to seek professional help if one feels uncertain or burdened.
At a glance – Special preferences
- In the past, psychologists considered sadomasochism to be a mental disorder. And even today it is listed as a “paraphilia” in the international ICD-10 diagnostic system. However, there are now controversial opinions regarding this classification.
- Multiple studies have shown that people who act out their sexuality with dominance and submission role-playing do not exhibit any psychological disorders.
- Initial findings suggest that the preference for BDSM may be linked to the personality trait “sensation seeking”. This trait describes the urge for thrills and variety.
BDSM and kinky?
In the BDSM scene, the term “pervert” is often used with caution. As it has negative connotations for the majority of people and can quickly lead to kink shaming. While there are certainly people who take pleasure in breaking the taboos of others and enjoy being called perverts, the term remains associated with non-consensual torment.
Outside the BDSM scene, “pervert” is largely used in a pejorative and insulting way, and it is highly discriminatory to call people abnormal, deviant or dangerous because of their sexual preferences. Everyone interprets the word differently, so it is better to use it less often than more often to avoid offence.
|