Potentials for change.

Taking as a point of departure the perspective of a behavioural scientist the need to move from a clinical to a sociological perspective is stressed. The difference between microsociologically and macrosociologically induced changes is emphasized. The former depending on interpersonal relations and to some extent open to our conscious efforts to achieve change. The latter depending on major social transformations which we usually cannot manipulate according to our wishes. We are here faced with a dilemma since our wishes for changes in sexual behaviour usually are of a magnitude that would require macrosociologically induced changes (which we cannot control) whereas our ability to interfere in the process is limited to microsociologically induced changes (which will not produce the results we hoped for). In view of this it is argued that it is necessary to act within the bounds of our respective cultures and to establish not only general objectives but also culture specific targets. These may, however, often appear to be in conflict with more general values in a given society. This reflects a perennial dilemma in occidental culture where sexual behaviour on the one hand is to be love based (and thus at least partly irrational) and on the other hand to be responsible (i.e. extremely rational).