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Title: Social Change

Author(s): Jeremy Greenwood and Nezih Guner

Publication Date: February 2007

Keyword(s): technological progress in contraceptives and the sexual revolution

Programme Area(s): Public Economics

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.

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Bibliographic Reference

Greenwood, J and Guner, N. 2007. 'Social Change'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=6125