Kinky in the Digital Age: Gay Men's Subcultures and Social Identities

Kink subculture has become more visible and accessible through rapid cultural change and technological advances, and this book combines psychological, sociological, and cultural theories with 74 interviews of gay men to explore their attraction to kink and its impact on their social and sexual identities. It presents an authentic picture of kink social networking sites that have empowered and enabled a new group of people to engage both online and offline, and follows the rich tradition of locating kinksters in their communities and cultural contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The kink subculture has undergone a remarkable transformation due to rapid cultural change and technological advancements, resulting in increased visibility and accessibility, as well as reduced stigma. Internet communities have opened up exciting possibilities for social identities and communities, both online and in the real world. This book combines a diverse range of psychological, sociological, and cultural theories with 74 in-depth interviews of gay men within the kink community to explore their attraction to kink and its profound impact on their social and sexual identities. By examining the transformative effects of the internet on these subcultures, this book presents an authentic portrayal of kink social networking sites, empowering and enabling a new group of individuals to engage in both online and offline activities. Through its case study of pup play, the book follows a longstanding tradition of locating kinksters within their communities and cultural contexts. Additionally, it investigates novel pathways for a wide range of gay men, including those who may not be part of the kink community but wish to explore kink practices. Kinky in the Digital Age is a comprehensive and empirically rich exploration of gay men's social and sexual experiences with kink. It amplifies the voices of these men in unprecedented ways, documenting the history and potential of this fascinating subculture and social community.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197651513