Why Are People into That? A Cultural Investigation of Kink

Horn (Terms of Service) expands on her podcast of the same name in this lucid demystification of foot fetishes, BDSM, orgies, and other sexual kinks. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and her background as a dominatrix, Horn covers such practical matters as the best type of lubricant for anal fisting; what various hormones and neurotransmitters are up to during pain play; and how BDSM offers “a practical way to navigate power and pleasure in our reality as it exists right now.” Turning to sexual ethics, she argues that actor Armie Hammer’s text messages articulating cannibalistic fantasies were problematic not due to the fetishes themselves but the “presumptuous and coercive way” he broached them, which was compounded by his “enormous social power and privilege in comparison to his partners.” Readers will appreciate Horn’s graceful synthesis of cultural analysis and scientific fact, as well as her ability to broach taboo topics in nonjudgmental terms—sexual taste, she writes, is “no different from a preference for spicy or sweet food.” Curious readers will glean plenty. (July)