The defining feature is mutual consent. Despite the language of "ownership," the slave retains the fundamental right to withdraw consent at any time, typically through the use of safewords .
The use of the word "slave" is often debated due to its historical associations with chattel slavery. Some practitioners use alternative terms like "Serf" to reduce historical baggage, while others maintain the term to emphasize the psychological weight of the complete surrender involved. Safety and Ethics male gay slave master
While many BDSM relationships prioritize love, the "Master/slave" (M/s) structure specifically emphasizes service and obedience as core values. Historical and Cultural Context The defining feature is mutual consent