I'm doing my best to keep the economic theory to a bearable amount but still include enough to reach an understanding of how it explains what actually happens in D/s courting. In this post I will likely candy coat the basic ideas of the theory since if I tried to go in depth it would likely bore the shit out of everyone.
At the end of my post on Perfect vs. Imperfect substitutes I touched on Dommes generally being more discerning than many subs.
Utility
Economic theory often deals with an idea known as "Utility." Basically, utility describes the amount of "goodness" someone receives from something. Perfect substitutes occur when choosing one item over another yields the same level of utility. Imperfect substitutes occur when choosing one substitute (lesser) item yields less utility than another (better) item.
Dommes are often faced with the challenge of considering or accepting subs that yield less utility than their ideal sub (read as: they aren't as happy with a good "fit" sub vs. a perfect fit sub). Their perfect sub probably doesn't exist, so substitution is a very common practice in D/s courting. The challenge then becomes finding a sub that is "good enough" and trying to shape him to something that is as close to perfect as possible.
Technically, the economic theories on utility generally work based upon a fixed income and/or describe what happens during changes in income. However, as I wrote about in my Barter System post, Femdom is a scarce and valuable resource.
Maximizing Utility through Poly-relationships
If a Domme realizes her services are an extremely valuable commodity, she can in turn increase her "buying power" tremendously. That is, rather than settle for one imperfect sub, she can take on multiple subs that together can meet every one of her desires and maximize her utility.
e.g. one sub is her emotional lover, one sub is her cleaning maid and money slave, one sub is her big cock for sex, one sub is her intense pain slut, etc.
This has its advantages as she never has to go without something she wants and there is less emotional attachment to individual subs if they ever decide/desire to leave. It also sends a strong message to subs that they are replaceable if they don't meet her performance expectations.
There is a Limit
While it might seem perfect on paper, the more subs that are present the less attention each sub will inevitably receive, reducing their utility. Also, the number of subs capable of functioning as part of a stable over the long-run (even if they say they can) is relatively small.
While this idea may have its flaws, I can see many cases where it would probably yield greater utility for a Domme than searching for one perfect sub.
I'm not sure why you separated all of this into so many postings, but in the end it's as you state at the beginning - a question of supply and demand. Or, since these are subs in the "demand" position, it might more accurately be described as a problem of supply and wishful thinking. The supply of willing Femdoms is small; the wishful thinking of the subs is huge. Everything else in your marketing discussion stems from that, I do believe.
ReplyDeleteIf we picture a single Dom surrounded by a bunch of puppies (subs) at her feet, all desperately panting and whimpering for her attention, we find the Dom overwhelmed by the choice she has to make, and the majority of the puppies doomed to disappointment. The puppy she picks will grow, of course, but whether she picked the right one, only time can tell. Thus her need for discernment and patience, and thus the frustration of the puppies left behind.
So if the "Utility" of the single sub (I'll drop the puppy stuff now) proves unfavorable over and over, must the Dom resort to "Poly-relationships"? I've done both, and I was lucky enough to eventually find a single sub with maximum utility, which I find I prefer. Many Femdoms are not so lucky, and many subs remain frustrated. A lose-lose because of supply and demand, and we've come full circle, haven't we?
Thank you, Lady Grey.
ReplyDeleteIt does all boil down to Supply and Demand :)
I hope it wasn't too redundant though. I did a different posting for each new/advanced theory (all of which were developed to either more accurately explain something or explain an anomaly) and brought it up through around the first part of 300-level college economics :P
Each theory does pretty much boil down to the same thing: Dommes have all of the power and subs are at the mercy of their will. Unfortunately that's not enough to make it easy for Dommes when in a perfect world it would be easy for Dommes and the most capable subs.
BTW, I tried to read your Dommes and Monopoly Power posting, but it seems to have disappeared. Did you erase it?
ReplyDeleteLady Grey,
ReplyDeleteI started writing it and tried to hit save draft and accidentally posted it. I am currently kind of "stuck" on that post. There is something I am trying to get to in it, but I'm currently having trouble getting from point A to point B without being super boring.