Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP6125
Authors: jeremy greenwood; nezih guner
Abstract: Society is characterized by the common attitudes and behaviour of its members. Such behaviour reflects purposive decision making by individuals, given the environment they live in. Thus, as technology changes, so might social norms. There were big changes in social norms during the 20th Century, especially in sexual mores. In 1900 only six percent of unwed females engaged in premarital sex. Now, three quarters do. It is argued here that this was the result of technological improvement in contraceptives, which lowered the cost of premarital sex. The evolution from an abstinent to a promiscuous society is studied using an equilibrium-matching model.
Keywords: technological progress in contraceptives; sexual revolution
JEL Codes: E1; J1; O3
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Technological advancements in contraceptives (O33) | Increase in premarital sexual activity (J12) |
| Increased accessibility to abortion (J13) | Increase in premarital sexual activity (J12) |
| Spread of AIDS/HIV (O15) | Decrease in premarital sexual activity (J12) |