Recession ups naughty sex

The current gloomy economic climate has seen a move back to "naughty sexuality", according to the world's largest health, sexuality and lifestyle expo, Sexpo.

"A research panel at a recent Sexpo noted a marked change in taste and naughty choices over the past two years," organiser Silas Howarth said. On the panel were Howarth, behavioural psychologist Dr Kris Launer, Reverend Daniel Brits, Miss Nude SA Bella Anderson and "mind power specialist" Alain D Woolf.

Explaining the liberalisation in people's attitude towards sex, he said: "The global recession, job losses and bleak forecasts have had a major influence on sexuality in 2009... [This indicates] a move back to a naughty sexuality."

The panel further predicted more sex, and with it more experimentation involving sex toys and role play. "The global economic crisis, job insecurity and other stress factors will cause an increase in sexual activity between couples, acting as a stress release valve and escape clause from realities."

Predicting SA's sexual trends
Howarth said Sexpos around the country had seen a dramatic increases in visitor numbers since the debut event in 2007. "In some instances attendance has grown by 50%. A clear sign that sexuality has come out into the open in South Africa."

The "Sexpo chapel of love" not only wed heterosexual couples, but many same sex couples as well. "Social acceptance of all levels of sexuality or preference has become par for the course in our country with couples of all persuasions attending the event."

The Sexpo panel predicted South Africa's sexual trends over the next three years would include an increase in same sex couples going public and being "publicly affectionate", due in part to the country's liberal Constitution.

The need for security in the current environment would also lead to couples getting married at a younger age. Women, they predicted, would continue to become more "sexually independent and aggressive", and engage in more same sex experimentation. – (Sapa, May 2009)

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