Ok... my family must be normally dysfunctional... lol.
This is what i know...
My mom knows about my choice (in the most general of terms)... she understands my need to submit but doesn't approve of the pain (big shocker there.) BUT... mom and i also have a type of relationship that one day... about 10 years ago (when i was mid 20's and before i even knew about D/s) she called me and asked me how to do a bj and a 69. So, even though i was a bit shocked even THINKING of my mother being interested in sex... i know she is (and did give details on how to do each... even though i was blushing so hard it was unreal!). i also know she "subbed" to one gentleman, although she claims she was "just trying to make him happy." The whole women's rights thing in there some where i think...
My brother found me in yahoo one day in a D/s room. He was SHOCKED and couldn't believe i wanted to be with those "sick" people. This coming from the boy who used to tie his penis so tight i'm surprised it didn't fall off. How do i know this... i used to catch him doing it on a regular basis. Of course at that point i thought he was "sick." lol. i know he still does self bondage, his wife has said as much, although i don't think he would ever admit to anything more about it... lol.
And then there is my grandmother... the patriarch of the family. She is Domme, period. She may not claim to be Domme but her behavior and such always has been. i don't think she "physically" Dommed my grandfather (mom and i have this mental image of my grandfather on top, trying his best, my grandmother looking at the ceiling making a mental note that it needs another coat of paint when he was done... lol) Anyhow... i have no doubt she mentally Dommed him.
So is it genetics... i think in portion it may be... but i don't think that is the overall deciding factor. i honestly think that the largest factor is that now the information on it is more readily available so people are better able to explore and grow in their preferences. It is no longer a matter of trying to keep it secret and not being able to even find a bit of information about it... if that makes any sense....
Ok..... i'm through rambling! sorry!