Sadomasochistic times. power, pain and truth in contemporary society

Abstract

The aim of this work is an analysis of power relations in Western culture, those relationships that correspond to what we have called sadomasochistic matrix. Sadomasochistic matrix is an analogy between the relations given in sadomasochistic sexuality and power relations in society. As in sexuality, we distinguish two types of matrix: modern and hypermodern. If modern and dialectical sadomasochism was producing neurotic (sadist and masochist) and hysterical men, the hypermodern and non-dialectical sadomasochistic produces a new type, one who can be sadist and masochist at once. Among the latter also have to distinguish two types: the false sadomasochistic descending from neurotic and true descending from hysterical.