The word 'enclave' crept into the jargon of diplomacy rather late in English, in 1868, coming from French, the lingua franca of diplomacy, with a sense inherited from late Latin inclavatus meaning 'shut in, locked up" (with a key, late Latin clavis). The 'exclave' is a logical extension created three decades later.
Borrowing this term from the diplomatic channels, within the Dominant submissive (D/s) lifestyle this term has generally come to mean a sanctuary, or home where members of the lifestyle can participate in or practice their beliefs. Many of today's Dominant submissive lifestyle enclaves are simply stated, homes with multiple families living in attendance, or as is more often the case, a home with a single Dominant in a polyamorous style relationship. Frequently these "enclaves" can be found in rural farming or ranching communities which offers the advantage of privacy.
Another use of the word "enclave" refers to a home hosted by one or more Dominants established to familiarize a submissive/slave with lifestyle expectations. Frequently, this type of enclave will also be used to ready a girl for placement with a Dominant. Often a Dominant desiring to release a girl, but having no other suitable placement for the girl, will turn the girl over to an enclave for their further placement of the girl. A Dominant placed in a situation in which He is unable to look after His submissive/slave for a period of time (such as during a military deployment, temporary job assignment, or physical incapacitation) might look to an enclave as a temporary solution to provide for supervision and care of His submissive/slave during His absence.
Although placement in an enclave is generally a temporary or short term situation, frequently it can be for an extended or permanent duration. While there are exceptions, enclaves generally will not accept a girl that is pregnant, has more than one child or extensive medical issues (primarily for logistical and financial considerations). This is not a set guideline and does depend on the individual enclave.
In an enclave with one Dominant, leadership of the enclave is rather clear. In an enclave with more than one Dominant, generally one Dominant will reign as the Master of the Family (or home). Although each girl is responsibe to all Dominants in the enclave (family, home) each girl will usually have a Primary Dominant that she is primarily accountable to who will also serve as that girls advocate to other Dom's in the enclave.
The Asj community hosts a real life enclave based in New Jersey. For more information about this enclave, application and selection criteria visit http://www.asubmissivesjourney.com/asj_enclave.html
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