text: how popular is bdsm in usa?   bdsm is an umbrella term that encompasses a large and varied spectrum of lifestyle preferences.  these can range from a couple engaging in a little kinky play in the bedroom, to a real-time 24/7 master/slave relationship.  as such activities become more popular, they have also become more socially acceptable (to some extent), thanks to movies like "the secretary" and tv shows like "csi."  i think you might be surprised to find out how many people engage in some form of the lifestyle, once inside the privacy of their own homes and bedrooms.  most of the literature that i've seen on the subject coincides with the previously-given figure of 10% of the population or so.