Gorean lifestyle
Definition
Gor refers to the fictional planet that is central to the Gor book series by author John Norman. The term Gorean lifestyle refers to the lifestyle, philosophy, or division of roles that emerged from these books. Within the BDSM world, Gorean lifestyle refers to a form of strictly hierarchical dominance and submission, inspired by the relationships between Masters and slaves as described in the novels.
Explanation of the Gorean lifestyle
The Gor series, which began with Tarnsman of Gor (1966), describes an alternative world in which men and women live according to clear power structures and natural roles. Society on Gor is highly hierarchical and patriarchal in nature: men are seen as natural rulers, women as slaves (kajirae) or free women (free women).
Although the books were originally written as science fiction, over the years a subculture of people who identified with the Gorean philosophy of life emerged.
Honor, discipline, strength, and obedience are central to this Gorean lifestyle. The dynamics are similar to those of classic BDSM, but are generally more structured and permanent. Whereas many BDSM relationships are equal and flexible, some Goreans consider their division of roles to be part of their identity – not as a game, but as a way of life.
Gorean Master
In practice, this means that a Gorean Master has absolute control over his kajira, who serves him with complete devotion. This servitude is not seen as humiliation, but as a form of natural balance. The Gorean philosophy emphasizes authenticity, honor, and accepting one’s own nature, whether dominant or submissive.
Gorean culture has partly moved to online communities and role-play worlds (such as Second Life and chat rooms), where participants live out their roles in a virtual environment. However, there are also real-life Gorean circles, especially in the US and Germany, where the lifestyle is practiced in a domestic or ceremonial form.
Although Gorean ideology and BDSM have similarities (power, control, devotion), they are not the same:
BDSM revolves around consensual play and variety.
The Gorean lifestyle revolves around permanent role-playing and natural hierarchy.
Safety & points of attention
The Gorean philosophy is not necessarily egalitarian. For some people, this can lead to abuse of power if there is no explicit consent or communication.
In modern BDSM, the principle of Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) always applies – this should also be respected in Gorean practices.
Those who are attracted to the Gorean lifestyle would do well to first thoroughly study the literature and explore their own boundaries.
Avoid people who use the “natural order” as an excuse to enforce control without consent.
In healthy Gorean relationships, there is still freedom of choice and respect, even if the division of roles is strict.
Related terms Gorean lifestyle
Gor
Gorean Master
Kajira
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