PSYC FPX 2800 Assessment 4 Sexual Behaviors PSYC FPX 2800 Introduction to Human Sexuality

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Abstract

This paper examines the sexual behavior of the characters in the Fifty Shades trilogy. Anastasia Steele (Ana), a literature college senior and virgin, meets Christian Grey (Christian), a young and successful businessman. They are mutually attracted to each other. After several encounters, Christian discloses to Ana that his sexual relationships exclusively involve bondage, as outlined in a contract he asks her to sign. Christian introduces Ana to a room in his house dedicated to bondage, filled with various BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism) toys, furniture, and gear. This paper aims to identify and describe the sexual behavior of Christian and Ana and analyze whether bondage is considered acceptable or deviant behavior. Additionally, the impact of this type of sexual behavior on society and perceptions influenced by media portrayal will be explored.

Sexual Behavior

Sexual behavior refers to an individual’s sexual practices or the type of sexual conduct they choose to engage in (TheFreeDictionary.com, 2019). Sexual behavior can be categorized as normal or abnormal, with the latter often labeled as deviant. Psychologist Arnold Buss, in his text Psychopathology (1996), identifies three criteria for abnormal sexual behavior: inefficiency, bizarreness, and discomfort (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). In the Fifty Shades trilogy, Christian’s BDSM sexual behavior can be considered abnormal or deviant by Ana, particularly when he introduces her to his practices (James, 2012). This deviant sexuality is revealed in the first book when Christian shows Ana his playroom, filled with toys, gear, and bondage equipment. Ana’s shock and awe upon seeing the room support Buss’s theory, which associates abnormality with bizarreness and discomfort, as reflected in Ana’s reaction (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). Furthermore, Christian’s request for Ana to sign a contract detailing their sexual relations, including a non-disclosure clause, suggests that he is aware of the abnormality of his sexual behavior (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019).

Applying Buss’s three criteria to the sexual behavior in Christian Grey and Ana Steele’s relationship shows that bizarreness is subjective. In Fifty Shades Darker, Christian reveals that he was introduced to this sexual behavior at a young age by his mother’s friend (James, 2012). Therefore, for Christian, this behavior is not bizarre but rather something he is accustomed to and has practiced. However, for Ana, who was a virgin and had never been exposed to such practices, it is considered bizarre. The criterion of inefficiency is evident at the end of the first novel when Ana experiences sadism and masochism (SM) behavior, particularly flogging, and subsequently ends the relationship with Christian, perceiving it as abnormal. This inefficiency is seen in Christian’s inability to maintain a relationship with Ana due to his chosen sexual behavior. Discomfort is also apparent when Christian introduces Ana to the playroom (James, 2012).

Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism

BDSM is often considered perverted and dehumanizing by the general public (Castleman, 2012). Those who practice BDSM engage in it as an exchange of power and sexual sensations (Castleman, 2012). The use of ropes and cuffs provides the dominant partner with visual enjoyment, while the submissive partner must place a measure of trust in the dominant (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). Physical actions such as flogging or spanking intensify the experience for both participants (Castleman, 2012). To ensure that activities do not go too far, a code word is included in the contract between the parties, allowing the dominant to stop if the activities become overly intense or uncomfortable (James, 2012).

In Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian derives great pleasure from placing Ana in bondage, exerting power and dominance over her. When Ana signs the contract, she requests to experience the extreme aspects of BDSM, and Christian complies. However, as Ana is still getting to know Christian and is not fully committed to him, she does not place complete trust in him. After experiencing the intensity of BDSM and feeling dehumanized, Ana ends the relationship, as noted at the end of Fifty Shades of Grey (James, 2012).

Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism and the Media

BDSM has been a significant part of erotic fiction and art for centuries. Contemporary mainstream films, such as the Fifty Shades trilogy and adult films, have showcased this type of sexual behavior (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). The media has often portrayed BDSM and the trilogy negatively, suggesting that it represents sexual actions unacceptable in