Sexuality is a profoundly social experience, and sexual activities are best seen as complex, intricately interconnected social practices. Since the 1950s we have witnessed a great transition in the social organization of sexuality. The impact has been uneven both in the west, the epicentre of the transition, and in the rest of the world, but the impact has been profound.
Amongst the key elements are the following:
Understanding these cross currents, and their cultural and political impact, is crucial to the ways we respond to questions of sexuality and health, and develop a sense of our needs and common humanity.