Aber bitte mit Schlag! Zur Legitimation von Lust, Macht und Gewalt in der SM-Szene

'Sadomasochismus (SM) gilt aufgrund seiner Pathologisierung durch die Sexualwissenschaft als Perversion. Da SM aber seit den 1960er-Jahren vermehrt in Kunst und Medien thematisiert wird und sich seit den 1980er-Jahren eine sichtbare SM-Szene entwickelt, kann vermutet werden, dass SM bereits einen Platz im öffentlichen Bewusstsein erlangt hat und die Zone der Tabuisierung verlässt. Neben der privaten Praktizierung von SM existiert heute eine weitgehend informelle SM-Szene mit SM als wesentlichem Vergemeinschaftungselement. Dennoch ist das Verhältnis von SM zur Mehrheitsgesellschaft nicht völlig unproblematisch. Das zeigt sich vor allem am zentralen Thema der Szene, der ritualisierten Verbindung von Lust, Macht und Gewalt, die durch Legitimationsprozesse gestützt werden muss. Genau diese Problematik ist Ausgangspunkt für den Artikel. Als Datenbasis dienen ethnographische Beobachtungen in SM-Lokalen und auf SM-Partys in Wien. Die Analyse zeigt, wie in der SM-Szene durch Symbole, Sprachcodes, Rollenstrukturen und Rituale neue Ordnungssysteme konstruiert werden: Diese ermöglichen es, SM-Praktiken positiv und als Spiel zu konnotieren, die Interaktionen von Risiken zu befreien und Sexualnormen umzudeuten.' (Autorenreferat)'Sadomasochism (SM) is being regarded as a perversion because of a pathologisation by sexual science. Since the 1960s, however, SM has been increasingly thematised in the arts and media, and beginning with the 1980s a visible SM scene developed. Therefore, it can be assumed that SM established itself in the public awareness and represents - at least to some extent - not a taboo anymore. In parallel to a private practice of SM, exists nowadays an informal SM scene, with SM as an element of communitarisation. Yet, the relationship between the SM scene and society as a whole has not really improved, as is being demonstrated by the central theme of SM scene: the ritualised connection of lust, power and violence. Various justification processes are necessary to deal with this problematic link. The article refers to these circumstances as a starting point and is based on empirical data collected during a three-month period of ethnographic observations at SM parties in Vienna. The analysis demonstrates that symbols, language codes, role structures and rituals are used to construct new systems of order that allow to connote SM practices positively and as 'game', to free interactions from risk, and to re-interpret sexual norms.' (author's abstract)

The Power of Analogies for Imagining and Governing Emerging Technologies

The emergence of new technologies regularly involves comparisons with previous innovations. For instance, analogies with asbestos and genetically modified organisms have played a crucial role in the early societal debate about nanotechnology. This article explores the power of analogies in such debates and how they could be effectively and responsibly employed for imagining and governing emerging technologies in general and nanotechnology in particular. First, the concept of analogical imagination is developed to capture the explorative and anticipatory potential of analogies. Yet analogies do not simply stimulate imagination, they also restrict it by framing emerging technologies in specific ways. Thus, second, the article argues that tracing the rhetorical and persuasive power of analogical arguments is essential for understanding how analogies are constructed to legitimise assessments, funding policies, and governance approaches. Third, the article addresses factors that account for the persuasiveness of analogies in debates about emerging technologies. The article concludes with reflections on how analogical imagination and an enhanced analogical sensibility for framing and persuasive effects can foster responsible research and innovation (RRI).© The Author(s) 201

Mapping an Agenda for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research in Patients with Serious Illness

Background: With support from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, we convened researchers representing palliative care, psychosocial oncology, spiritual care, oncology, and psychedelic-assisted therapies. We aimed to define priorities and envision an agenda for future research on psychedelic-assisted therapies in patients with serious illness. Over two days in January 2020, participants engaged in an iterative series of reflective exercises that elicited their attitude and perspectives on scientific opportunities for this research. Objectives: The aim of the study is to identify themes that shape priorities and an agenda for research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for those affected by serious illness. Methods: We collected data through preconference interviews, audio recordings, flip charts, and sticky notes. We applied thematic qualitative analysis to elucidate key themes. Results: We identified seven key opportunities to advance the field of psychedelic-assisted therapies in serious illness care. Four opportunities were related to the science and design of psychedelic-assisted therapies: clarifying indications; developing and refining therapeutic protocols; investigating the impact of set and setting on therapeutic outcomes; and understanding the mechanisms of action. The other three pertained to institutional and societal drivers to support optimal and responsible research: education and certification for therapists; regulations and funding; and diversity and inclusion. Additionally, participants suggested epistemological limitations of the medical model to understand the potential value and therapeutic use of psychedelics. Conclusions: Medicine and society are witnessing a resurgence of interest in the effects and applications of psychedelic-assisted therapies in a wide range of settings. This article suggests key opportunities for research in psychedelic-assisted therapies for those affected by serious illness