The original name for what is now called the missionary position was the male-superior position. A penetrating partner will lay on top of a receiving partner who will be lying down in this posture. The phrase has already entered common usage before the publication of Alfred Kinsey's seminal work on sexuality in 1948.
There are a few other names for the male-superior role, including the Matrimonial, the English-American, and Mama-Papa.
The penetrating participant is in the top or "superior" position, which is how the male-superior posture gets its name. The medical term "superior" means "above" or "on top of" in this context.
During penetration, the recipient usually rests on their back with their legs flat against the bed. Additionally, they might have their knees bent and their feet flat on the bed. "Raising the mast" refers to an additional variation in which the receiver presses their heels against their partner's shoulders to increase the penetration.
While in this position, the partner entering can either lean on their spouse for support or use their arms to prop themselves up. Another form, frequently referred to as the "starfish," involves the penetrating partner straddling the legs of the recipient in order to enhance friction.
In the male-superior position, the penetrating partner dictates the speed, depth, and intensity of the sexual encounter; however, the receiver can heighten the feelings by leaning back on the mattress or swaying their pelvis at the waist.
The male-superior role often brings couples closer together because of the face-to-face interaction it provides. In this type of relationship, one spouse takes the "dominant" role while the other remains "submissive"; this dynamic might be appealing to certain couples. Also, this sexual position doesn't require a lot of muscle or fitness to accomplish.
But compared to other positions, this one doesn't excite the clitoris nearly as much. This is a good posture for a receiver with a clitoris to stimulate oneself while intercourse is taking place.
Holding oneself up might also wear out the penetrating partner. This might interfere with the top person's capacity to regulate his orgasm because he has to strain his muscles to do it. Because of this, a different sex position could be more appealing to someone who experiences premature ejaculation.