Charlotta Carlström
Biographic Data
| ID | 169330 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Charlotta Carlström |
| GIVEN NAMES | Charlotta |
| FAMILY NAME | Carlström |
| SIGNATURE | CARLSTRÖM C |
| AFFILIATIONS | Malmö University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-1520-9838 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 15 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 19 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 15 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2017 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Beyond sexuality and boundaries: Cross-national perspectives on sexual satisfaction and BDSM/kink in Chile and Spain
Sexual satisfaction and pleasure are key components of well-being, yet remain underexplored among individuals engaging in BDSM and kink practices. This study compares sociodemographic characteristics, sexual practices, and predictors of sexual satisfaction and pleasure among self-identified BDSM/kink practitioners in Chile (n = 543) and Spain (n = 233). Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed an online survey including sociodemogra…
BDSM and the vulnerability of power: Heterosexual dominant men’s lived experiences
Despite growing interest in BDSM’s relational and psychological aspects, the perceptions and experiences of dominant men remain largely unexplored. Examining the experiences of entering and identifying with a sexual subculture can therefore provide deeper insight into the dynamics of power, intimacy, and selfhood that characterise these experiences. This study aims to investigate the BDSM practices and interests of self-identified dominant hetero…
Do You Really Want to Give Up an Eternity in Heaven for a Moment of Carnal Desire?”—Queer Norwegians’ Experiences of Nonaccepting Religious Environments
This article examines how queer individuals in Norway navigate tensions between their sexual or gender identities and the expectations of nonaccepting religious environments. Based on ten in-depth interviews analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, the study shows how participants’ religious lifeworlds—shaped by the norms and messages within their faith communities—created deep moral conflict, shame, and fear of divine punishment. These experi…
Sexuality and Intimacy Among Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Sweden: Support Networks
Research shows that young adults with intellectual disabilities are eager to engage in conversations about sexuality and intimacy, but the nuances of these discussions from their own perspective remain unexplored. This study aims to understand the challenges, facilitators, and dynamics that influence these young adults' engagement in conversations about sexuality and intimacy with family, friends, and support networks. The data comprise 22 qualit…
Contextual Non-Consent: Notes From a "Failed" Interview Study with LGBTQ+ Youth in State Care
This article explores the ethical complexities encountered during a research project, where one sub-study aimed at interviewing LGBTQ+ youth in state care. Using a theoretical framework of ethics of care and the concept of consent, we discuss our difficulties finding interviewees and our decision to stop recruiting because of ethical considerations. We aim to show: (1) How different forms of care were expressed during the fieldwork process, and (…
Swedish poly utopia: Dreams, revolutions, and crushed hopes
Polyamory means having a sexual and/or intimate relationship with more than one person at a time. In this study, we use in-depth interviews with 22 persons in Sweden who have experience of polyamorous or non-monogamous relationships to explore how polyamory can include imagining utopian relationships and spaces. Thematic analysis was done which indicated narratives of politically invested attempts to create communal living or societal change that…
LGBTQ+ Affirmative State Care for Young People in Sweden: New Knowledge and Old Traditions
Young LGBTQ+ people are over-represented in various forms of state care. They experience hardships during their placements and staff competence in addressing specific needs among LGBTQ+ youth is lacking. In this article, we investigate whether and how LGTBQ+ issues are considered and described in digital marketing for state care providers. The material consists of the homepages of residential care homes and secure state care institutions, which w…
Queer desires and emotional regimes in Swedish Free-Church contexts
This article is based on in-depth interviews with 29 Christian LGBTQ individuals and examines queer desires and feelings in Swedish Free-Church contexts. My point of departure is to analyze how the participants relate to religion and religious practices in connection with the tension that exists between their own emotions and desires and the emotional regime of the free churches to which they belong. The empirical data were interpreted through th…
Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness – Parallels between BDSM and Christianity
This article is based on a five-year qualitative ethnographic study of bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism (BDSM) in Sweden. In-depth interviews were completed with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners. In the article, I investigate spirituality in two different contexts, namely within BDSM practice and in the charismatic Christianity. With a focus on power dynamics, pain rituals, and altered states of consciousness…
“God’s word does not change as trends do” – contemporary discourses on homosexuality in Swedish Christianity
Throughout history, Christianity has regarded homosexuality as abnormal and something beyond what can be fully accepted. In this article, I investigate how homosexuality has been discussed within the Swedish evangelical churches from 2009 until 2019, in the largest Swedish Christian newspaper, Dagen (The Day). It is not possible to speak of a hegemonic discourse on homosexuality – rather the 188 articles analyzed show a multiplicity of stances to…
BDSM – the antithesis of good Swedish sex
In this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork, and interviews with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners, I explore the incorporation process of BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) in Swedish society. I argue that the so-called ‘good sexuality’ described by Gayle Rubin (2011) and Don Kulick (2005) is still alive as a normative principle in this context. Drawing on Foucault’s concept ‘biopower’ (1976), I s…
BDSM, becoming and the flows of desire
Based on a five-year qualitative ethnographic study of Bondage and Discipline/Dominance and Submission/Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) in Sweden, this paper examines the process of becoming among BDSM practitioners. In-depth interviews were completed with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners, and their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. Focusing on the Deleuzian concept of becoming, BDSM is understood as a dynamic and collective phenomenon…
Living Outside Protocol: Polyamorous Orientations, Bodies, and Queer Temporalities
This study investigates experiences of polyamory in a society where monogamy is the norm. Polyamory is when more than two people are involved in an intimate and/or sexual relationship. The relationships are known to those involved, and everyone has the opportunity to have multiple relationships at the same time. In-depth interviews were completed with 22 persons in Sweden who identify as polyamorous. Drawing on Ahmed’s phenomenological concepts o…
Gender equal BDSM practice – a Swedish paradox
In this article I examine power and BDSM, that is, Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism, within Swedish society. The main research question is: How do practitioners relate to power, gender and consent in Swedish society, which has been characterised by a long tradition of gender equality? The study is based on 29 in-depth interviews with self-defined BDSM practitioners and ethnographic fieldwork in Swedish BD…
BDSM, Interaction Rituals and Open Bodies
In this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) communities in Sweden, I explore the ritual aspects of BDSM. Drawing on Douglas and Collins’ theories of interaction rituals, I analyse the creation of emotional energy during humiliation practice through connection and intimacy between the participants. The article examines how the ritual aspect of BDSM sessions can b…
Living Outside Protocol: Polyamorous Orientations, Bodies, and Queer Temporalities
This study investigates experiences of polyamory in a society where monogamy is the norm. Polyamory is when more than two people are involved in an intimate and/or sexual relationship. The relationships are known to those involved, and everyone has the opportunity to have multiple relationships at the same time. In-depth interviews were completed with 22 persons in Sweden who identify as polyamorous. Drawing on Ahmed’s phenomenological concepts o…
BDSM, Interaction Rituals and Open Bodies
In this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) communities in Sweden, I explore the ritual aspects of BDSM. Drawing on Douglas and Collins’ theories of interaction rituals, I analyse the creation of emotional energy during humiliation practice through connection and intimacy between the participants. The article examines how the ritual aspect of BDSM sessions can b…
Gender equal BDSM practice – a Swedish paradox
In this article I examine power and BDSM, that is, Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism, within Swedish society. The main research question is: How do practitioners relate to power, gender and consent in Swedish society, which has been characterised by a long tradition of gender equality? The study is based on 29 in-depth interviews with self-defined BDSM practitioners and ethnographic fieldwork in Swedish BD…
Contextual Non-Consent: Notes From a "Failed" Interview Study with LGBTQ+ Youth in State Care
This article explores the ethical complexities encountered during a research project, where one sub-study aimed at interviewing LGBTQ+ youth in state care. Using a theoretical framework of ethics of care and the concept of consent, we discuss our difficulties finding interviewees and our decision to stop recruiting because of ethical considerations. We aim to show: (1) How different forms of care were expressed during the fieldwork process, and (…
Gender equal BDSM practice – a Swedish paradox
In this article I examine power and BDSM, that is, Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism, within Swedish society. The main research question is: How do practitioners relate to power, gender and consent in Swedish society, which has been characterised by a long tradition of gender equality? The study is based on 29 in-depth interviews with self-defined BDSM practitioners and ethnographic fieldwork in Swedish BD…
BDSM, Interaction Rituals and Open Bodies
In this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) communities in Sweden, I explore the ritual aspects of BDSM. Drawing on Douglas and Collins’ theories of interaction rituals, I analyse the creation of emotional energy during humiliation practice through connection and intimacy between the participants. The article examines how the ritual aspect of BDSM sessions can b…
BDSM – the antithesis of good Swedish sex
In this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork, and interviews with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners, I explore the incorporation process of BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) in Swedish society. I argue that the so-called ‘good sexuality’ described by Gayle Rubin (2011) and Don Kulick (2005) is still alive as a normative principle in this context. Drawing on Foucault’s concept ‘biopower’ (1976), I s…
BDSM, becoming and the flows of desire
Based on a five-year qualitative ethnographic study of Bondage and Discipline/Dominance and Submission/Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) in Sweden, this paper examines the process of becoming among BDSM practitioners. In-depth interviews were completed with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners, and their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. Focusing on the Deleuzian concept of becoming, BDSM is understood as a dynamic and collective phenomenon…
Living Outside Protocol: Polyamorous Orientations, Bodies, and Queer Temporalities
This study investigates experiences of polyamory in a society where monogamy is the norm. Polyamory is when more than two people are involved in an intimate and/or sexual relationship. The relationships are known to those involved, and everyone has the opportunity to have multiple relationships at the same time. In-depth interviews were completed with 22 persons in Sweden who identify as polyamorous. Drawing on Ahmed’s phenomenological concepts o…
“God’s word does not change as trends do” – contemporary discourses on homosexuality in Swedish Christianity
Throughout history, Christianity has regarded homosexuality as abnormal and something beyond what can be fully accepted. In this article, I investigate how homosexuality has been discussed within the Swedish evangelical churches from 2009 until 2019, in the largest Swedish Christian newspaper, Dagen (The Day). It is not possible to speak of a hegemonic discourse on homosexuality – rather the 188 articles analyzed show a multiplicity of stances to…
Queer desires and emotional regimes in Swedish Free-Church contexts
This article is based on in-depth interviews with 29 Christian LGBTQ individuals and examines queer desires and feelings in Swedish Free-Church contexts. My point of departure is to analyze how the participants relate to religion and religious practices in connection with the tension that exists between their own emotions and desires and the emotional regime of the free churches to which they belong. The empirical data were interpreted through th…
Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness – Parallels between BDSM and Christianity
This article is based on a five-year qualitative ethnographic study of bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism (BDSM) in Sweden. In-depth interviews were completed with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners. In the article, I investigate spirituality in two different contexts, namely within BDSM practice and in the charismatic Christianity. With a focus on power dynamics, pain rituals, and altered states of consciousness…
Swedish poly utopia: Dreams, revolutions, and crushed hopes
Polyamory means having a sexual and/or intimate relationship with more than one person at a time. In this study, we use in-depth interviews with 22 persons in Sweden who have experience of polyamorous or non-monogamous relationships to explore how polyamory can include imagining utopian relationships and spaces. Thematic analysis was done which indicated narratives of politically invested attempts to create communal living or societal change that…
LGBTQ+ Affirmative State Care for Young People in Sweden: New Knowledge and Old Traditions
Young LGBTQ+ people are over-represented in various forms of state care. They experience hardships during their placements and staff competence in addressing specific needs among LGBTQ+ youth is lacking. In this article, we investigate whether and how LGTBQ+ issues are considered and described in digital marketing for state care providers. The material consists of the homepages of residential care homes and secure state care institutions, which w…
Sexuality and Intimacy Among Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Sweden: Support Networks
Research shows that young adults with intellectual disabilities are eager to engage in conversations about sexuality and intimacy, but the nuances of these discussions from their own perspective remain unexplored. This study aims to understand the challenges, facilitators, and dynamics that influence these young adults' engagement in conversations about sexuality and intimacy with family, friends, and support networks. The data comprise 22 qualit…
Contextual Non-Consent: Notes From a "Failed" Interview Study with LGBTQ+ Youth in State Care
This article explores the ethical complexities encountered during a research project, where one sub-study aimed at interviewing LGBTQ+ youth in state care. Using a theoretical framework of ethics of care and the concept of consent, we discuss our difficulties finding interviewees and our decision to stop recruiting because of ethical considerations. We aim to show: (1) How different forms of care were expressed during the fieldwork process, and (…
Beyond sexuality and boundaries: Cross-national perspectives on sexual satisfaction and BDSM/kink in Chile and Spain
Sexual satisfaction and pleasure are key components of well-being, yet remain underexplored among individuals engaging in BDSM and kink practices. This study compares sociodemographic characteristics, sexual practices, and predictors of sexual satisfaction and pleasure among self-identified BDSM/kink practitioners in Chile (n = 543) and Spain (n = 233). Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed an online survey including sociodemogra…
BDSM and the vulnerability of power: Heterosexual dominant men’s lived experiences
Despite growing interest in BDSM’s relational and psychological aspects, the perceptions and experiences of dominant men remain largely unexplored. Examining the experiences of entering and identifying with a sexual subculture can therefore provide deeper insight into the dynamics of power, intimacy, and selfhood that characterise these experiences. This study aims to investigate the BDSM practices and interests of self-identified dominant hetero…
Do You Really Want to Give Up an Eternity in Heaven for a Moment of Carnal Desire?”—Queer Norwegians’ Experiences of Nonaccepting Religious Environments
This article examines how queer individuals in Norway navigate tensions between their sexual or gender identities and the expectations of nonaccepting religious environments. Based on ten in-depth interviews analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, the study shows how participants’ religious lifeworlds—shaped by the norms and messages within their faith communities—created deep moral conflict, shame, and fear of divine punishment. These experi…
Sociology (11 works) · Gender Studies (10 works) · Psychology (10 works) · Marriage and Sexual Relationships (9 works) · Social Psychology (9 works) · Human sexuality (8 works) · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology (8 works) · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy (6 works) · Political science (6 works) · Anthropology (5 works)