ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses that the political mobilisation of anti-family sentiments has probably delayed the adaptation of sexual divisions of labour to changing demographic circumstances. What could have been a process of pragmatic and incremental adjustment has been turned into a lengthy and conflictual sexual revolution. A major misconception in the orthodox interpretation of the sexual revolution, and an important key to its ideological role, lies in its portrayal of 'traditional' social structures as serving the interests of men. If Labour is to have any hope of keeping their vote at the next election it will need to re-examine its attitude in government towards the private realm. This is perhaps the most potent reason for believing that this cycle of revolution is nearly complete. The developments were profoundly altering the balance of power between female generations and their respective capacities to influence public definitions of family life and values.
