maîtreesclave

Maître-esclave, often rendered as master/slave in English, refers to a type of power-exchange dynamic within BDSM in which one participant assumes a dominant role (the Master or Maître) and the other a submissive role (the Slave or Esclave). The term is used in French-speaking BDSM communities and in international discussions of M/s dynamics. It can describe a single scene, a negotiated relationship, or a long-term lifestyle.

The dynamic encompasses a range of practices and expressions. Common elements can include protocols, service tasks, discipline, rituals, and structured behavior. The level of intensity and the scope of authority transfer vary widely and are typically shaped by negotiation, consent, and individual preferences. Some relationships emphasize psychological power exchange, while others focus on physical tasks or ceremonial aspects; some participants adopt the roles as a permanent identity, while others use them episodically.

Consent and safety are central. Master/slave arrangements are built on explicit agreement, ongoing communication, and negotiated limits. Safeguards often include safewords, aftercare, and clearly defined hard and soft limits. Ethical frameworks such as Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) or Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) guide practice, emphasizing informed consent, responsibility, and the right to withdraw at any time.

The maître-esclave dynamic can appear within a primary relationship or in communal or scene-based contexts. It is distinguished from coercive or non-consensual abuse by the presence of voluntary consent and mutually negotiated terms. In cultural and scholarly discussions, it is examined for its psychological aspects, ritual elements, and the diverse ways participants interpret power, service, and autonomy.