Explanation of power exchange

Explanation of and etymology for the term power exchange in BDSM

Power Exchange is an ambiguous term which refers to several types of interaction in BDSM.

The exchange of power and control through dominance and submission, of control through dominance or bondage, and the use of power or force through discipline or sadomasochism, as well as exchange of "sexual energies" through different types of BDSM stimuli can be referred through the term power exchange. According to some, it is however only "real" dominance and submission without limitations which can be termed power exchange, while according to others this type of relationship is an impossible fantasy only.

Total power exchange" (TPE) can designate a life-long relation with dominance and submission or a relation where the dominance and submission are total and without any limitations. According to some, both these criteria must be met to apply the term total power exchange, according to others this is impossible or a sign of a mental disturbance bordering on mental illness.

Power exchange and total power exchange are probably two of the most debated definitions in BDSM.

Etymology

The term power exchange was first used at UseNet alt.sex.bondage 1990-04-02 by the anonymous signature "d_carroll", who comments that the term then has found no general use. Not until 1994-1995 the term appears to have gained a wider use, much through the consequent use of it by the anonymous signature "STella". The term total power exchange was first introduced 1994-05-29 by Angi Long at the University of Seattle and became more widely used during 1995, much through the animated debates about its interpretation between Jon Jacobs' (at the Charles River Laboratories) and Steven S. Davis' (at the US Defence Logistics Agency).

The above etymological information was compiled mainly from BDSM magazines and the UseNet archive on the Internet. Probably none of the terms first found on UseNet have their origin there, but have been instated in discussions within BDSM organizations, and come in more wide use through BDSM BBS's (dial-up electronic bulletin board services that were popular from the end of the 1970's until some time after the Internet boom in the 1990's). But the terms appearing on UseNet after the Internet boom have probably been spread there rather quickly after they have been instated at other forums.