Dominant Types

Dominants can fall into several categories depending on their level of BDSM and lifestyle activity. Light Dominants are considered to be those who have little desire for any real D/s aspect to any relationship, have poor knowledge on the subject, possess little or no toys/tools, have conflicting life goals that keeps them from being active, but tend to exemplify some dominant BDSM behavior/tendencies. These types of dominants are not always ethical or the most safe (Mallory).

The Moderate Dominant will generally desire a relationship of some kind, be reasonably educated and willing to learn and/or explore, and are typically more common. These dominants usually have some interaction with the community and are stable (Mallory).

A Heavy Dominant is usually a seasoned member in the community and has engaged in the lifestyle for a longer period of time. They typically have varied experience with a few areas of expertise and are more likely to desire a full time or 24/7 D/s aspect to their relationship (Mallory).

A Master/Mistress is often considered a dominant with real life BDSM experience (Mallory). Some circles consider these terms to be associated with the consensual and ethics ownership of a slave or submissive and that this title has been earned during that ownership while others feel that these terms may be used by anyone who identifies with them (Kaldera & Joshua, 2009).

A Top is typically a dominant but is considered to be the person who is the active participant in an S/M scene in contrast to the bottom who is the recipient of BDSM play (Kaldera & Joshua, 2009).

What kinds of dominants are there?

Dominant is dominant is dominant right? Wrong! There are different styles of dominance and knowing what kind of dominant you are or you are looking for can mean the difference between a satisfying or frustrating experience. Dominant preferences can be observed on a continuum with two polar opposites: parental or celebrity.

Parental dominance does not refer to any ageplay or illegal play with minors. This style of dominance refers to a high level of control over the submissive's life. A parental style dominant will desire control over the all money, clothing, food, activities, sexual release, etc; the submissive has little to no control over most decisions. These dominants desire a relationship where the submissive does as instructed promptly but nothing more (Kaldera & Tenpenny, Real Service, 2011).

Celebrity dominance is when the dominant prefers for all obstacles out of their path. The submissive will receive extensive training on the preferences and desires of the dominant so that ultimately, the submissive will attend to those details so the dominant can enjoy the effects. This style of dominance expects a level of anticipatory service and requires a submissive who is able to be self sufficient for periods of time while the dominant otherwise occupied. These dominants are often career-driven or keep highly active lifestyles (Kaldera & Tenpenny, Real Service, 2011).

Recommended Reading

If you are wanting to learn more about being a dominant, the following books have been reviewed by Keeping it Kinky and among our recommended reading on this topic.

Dear RJ

Kashiko | November 1, 2011

A comprehensive guide to 24/7 Master and slave relationships

Read Dear RJ Review