It is not a lack of testosterone that makes men passive and submissive. New research (by Allan Mazur Syracuse University and Alan Booth Penn State) confirms that it is actually submissive behaviour itself that reduces naturally-occurring testosterone in both men and women.

Other research clearly indicates that regular sessions of dominance and submission by married couples leads to increased masculine tendencies of one and vice versa. The hen-pecked husband not only obeys his wife he also does her housework. Continued indefinitely this type of lifestyle can lead to role swaps and feminisation of the husband!

Why feminization? Because it is concrete, visible proof, of the man's acceptance of his submissive and 'lowly' status. It also reinforces the dominant partner's authority.

What about sex? As testosterone levels in men decrease immediately after ejaculation - regular sex involving his submission can dramatically increase the manifestation of 'feminine behaviour' - dominant wives usually experience their first successful dominance in the marriage bed.

Gillian, 32 years of age and heavily built, married slim, 24 year old Danny after a six month engagement. The older and physically bigger wife made all of the financial decisions and gave the younger, physically weaker husband constant advice and instructions often accompanied by slaps and smacks. 'Three months after our honeymoon I was being slapped across the face for minor indiscretions and 'formally' spanked with a hairbrush for so-called serious offences. I wore an apron and did all the housework.' Admits Danny. 'I stopped going out because I was afraid of being humiliated in front of friends and relatives. We had a kind of implicit agreement - I would accept discipline behind closed doors if she didn't hit me in public. But even then I couldn't trust her, on one occasion she took hold of my wrists and smacked it repeatedly at a dinner party!'

His wife agrees: 'I've never been able to control my temper when Danny challenges my authority. I didn't force him to marry me, and he can leave me if he is unhappy. He's never acted like a man or a husband. So I can't understand all the fuss when I treat him like a woman. Dressing him in my clothes might be viewed as extreme - but we are talking about what a married couple do in private - I'm sure Danny would have divorced me if he didn't agree with my methods.'

Marjorie and Richard: 'When my daughter divorced Richard I started seeing him regularly.' Marjorie explains, 'My ex-son-in-law and I were married a few months later. I suppose I always thought of him as a child rather than a husband or a grown man. I started hitting him almost from the start. I told myself I was teaching him how to behave. Habit is a strong master and soon I was using my belt regularly. The more submissive and obedient he became - the more I felt the need for aggression. I needed to see him cower and submit al the time. Even the mildest protest or resistance provoked me into bouts of violence. I can't explain why I feminised him - it just happened.' Her husband adds, 'Marjorie is very jealous, possibly because she is older than me, she insists on giving me 'hand-relief' every morning as a precaution against my seeing other women. Even after I stopped work she continued this humiliating ritual. It is impossible to assert one's masculinity when one is being 'milked' each morning, spanked several times a day and made love to like a woman in the marriage bed! The only time I ever found the courage to resist was when she bought me a bra. Her violent reaction on that occasion ensured it was the last time I would ever fight back!'

Gloria and Gavin: 'She was the tennis pro at our local club.' Says Gavin, 'She helped teach me tennis and I got used to her holding me, manoeuvring my body this way and that. She was naturally bossy with a no-nonsense attitude, which attracted me. On our honeymoon she acted in bed as though she was teaching me tennis! I was instructed, manhandled and 'corrected' until I was performing exactly as she wished. Her dominant behaviour continued outside of the bedroom and I found myself obeying her every whim. Gloria decided that I should stop working. I could stay at home and look after her. This meant being trained by her in the domestic arts. Twelve months later I was doing all the housework wearing a dress and a frilly apron. Gillian spanks me every Friday night! Our sex-life is good, but only if I submit to her and only if I wear a nightgown!' Gloria sees it differently, 'I'm a born leader, wielding authority comes natural to me. My husband is weak and indecisive and enjoys it when I make decisions for him. Once I started to beat Gavin the 'discipline' seemed to develop a life of its own. If anyone annoyed me at work, or when I was out shopping, I would race home and take it out on Gavin. I began to look forward and even plan, how I would demonstrate my power and authority. I was never satisfied until he was totally crushed. But the minute he surrendered I comforted him as best I could. This usually led to sex. Dressing him in my lingerie is hard to justify or explain - I think I was scared of losing him.'

Only in - Men as Maids! - In August 2000!