Property
Property is usually a submissive BDSM role in which a person identifies as belonging to or being owned by, another person, usually an Owner, Dominant, or Master. It centers on the idea of ownership, where the Dominant owns or has a claim on the person in the property role.
What ownership means depends on the people in the relationship. For some people, being property is about more than submitting to an Owner. It means feeling that you belong to them all the time, not just during scenes, sex, or service. In some Owner/property relationships, the Owner has a lot of control over the property’s daily life and decisions. In others, the idea of ownership is more about being claimed, committed, and knowing who you belong to.
A property dynamic might involve:
- Belonging or being claimed: Someone in the property role tends to like feeling like they belong to someone. This may be expressed through collars, rules, rituals, or other symbols of ownership.
- Authority: Property tends to give an Owner control over decisions, behavior, routines, or the use of their body. The degree of control given depends on the dynamic.
- Service and use: Part of the property role may include being available to serve, please, or be used by the Owner.
- Objectification: Some people in the property role may enjoy being treated, talked about, displayed, cared for, or used like a possession.
- Responsibility and care: For some people, ownership also represents the Owner accepting responsibility for the property’s well-being. This can include physical, emotional, and psychological care.
- Commitment: Some people experience being owned as a commitment. Rather than feeling like they've lost freedom, they may feel safe and cared for.
Some of the things people say can make them feel owned include:
- Their Owner choosing their clothes.
- Their Owner setting their routine or structuring their day.
- Being fed, groomed, put to bed, or cared for by their Owner.
- Feeling safe, protected, and looked after.
- Knowing they have been claimed and belong to someone.
- Having rules and being held accountable.
- Giving their Owner control over their body.
- Keeping certain sexual or kinky activities just for their Owner.
- Feeling loyal and devoted to their Owner.
Property vs. Slave
Property overlaps with other submissive roles like slave and pet, but the terms aren't interchangeable. While a slave may consider themselves property, another person may see themselves as property while not identifying as a slave.
As in all BDSM dynamics, being property is part of a consensual agreement. It is not literal or legal ownership of another human being.
Related Terms
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