Kink community education: Experiential learning and communities of practice

Abstract

How do people learn about kink? What are the motivations to acquire knowledge and skills for doing BDSM scenes? What are the preferred ways adults want to learn? This article argues that two concepts from adult education, experiential learning and community of practice, are important frameworks for understanding how people learn about kink. As an example to illustrate these points, some findings from an educational needs assessment are presented. The results indicate gender-related differences in motivation to learn about kink and different preferences in formats for learning. Results are discussed in terms of experiential learning and community of practice.