Sexual perversion can no longer be considered a manifestation of infantile sexuality that has evaded defense. Rather, the ego accepts certain elements of infantile sexuality, the other elements and especially the Oedipal wishes being warded off by repression or otherwise. Thus the perversion represents a defense against the Oedipus complex and castration anxiety, the defense involving regression of libido and aggression to pregenital levels. The behavior and defensive maneuvers of the ego are as important in the perversions as are the vicissitudes of instinct.