“Power, Pleasure, and Pain: A Study of Abuse Through Time” delves into the dark history of how sexual violence and abuse have been intertwined with power structures throughout history. From the libertine excesses of figures like the Marquis de Sade to the scandals of modern-day predators like Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly, this book provides a compelling examination of how those in power have used their positions to exploit and control others.
Spanning centuries, this critical exploration looks at the societal, cultural, and institutional failures that have enabled abusers to operate with impunity. Sean Dupree uses both historical and contemporary examples to highlight the systemic nature of sexual violence, tracing its roots back to philosophical and psychological underpinnings of dominance and submission.
Whether dissecting the abuse of power in religious institutions, entertainment, or the workplace, this study leaves no stone unturned. “Power, Pleasure, and Pain” is a powerful reminder that, despite the progress made by movements like #MeToo, much work remains to be done in holding abusers accountable and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
