This brings with it a call for areturn to traditional values and the nuclear family, 1950s style, where motherstays at home and brings up children while father goes out to work and keeps the whole family in order. In this climate sexual morality has staged a takeover. The growing interest in sex scandals in many parts of the world shows how close the link remains in people's minds between immorality and sex. Actually, sex raises no unique ethical issues, even in the age of aids. That we treat each other with honesty,respect and consideration is important in all personal relations.
Sex is no different.
But the idea of sticking to the straight and narrow in sexual matters, and condemning those who don't, provides a sense of security for many in these confusing times. An even more dramatic reaction to the uncertainty of our age has been toseek solace in fundamentalist religion. It provides clear rules to obey and authority figures to deliver them. A third response to the 'malaise' of uncertainty is to retreat intoself-interest, limiting one's circle of concern to oneself or perhaps a few close friends and family members. A privatization of life is under way, especially in post-industrial consumerist cultures.