Is sex just a symbol?

AS the scourge of sex scandals, including infidelity, harassment, assault and child sex abuse, seemingly sullies social mores, why are people so obsessed with others’ boudoir behaviours?

Are their own so unsatisfying and frustrating they need to express their disapproval and disdain in public against others for their private pleasure? Or more pertinently perhaps, why are sexual behaviours so susceptible to criminal abuse?

Perhaps Freud was right in asserting sexual dysfunction represented more pervasive psychological pathologies, suggesting we should start to see sex as symbolic of a more significant and profound social malaise.