Skip to main content
Log in

The economic analysis of social customs: the case of pre-marital sex

  • Original paper
  • Published:
Journal of Evolutionary Economics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

This paper uses a sample of 18,876 adults aged 16-59 from to estimate logit equations of the determinants of support for the custom of abstaining from pre-marital sex. Three sets of equations are estimated separately for males and females; one set for disapproval of pre-marital sex, one set for disapproval of one night stands and another set for a proxy for involvement in pre-marital sex. These results confirm some expected male-female differences and also show a polarisation amongst the population in their support for, and observance of, customs and practices related to abstaining from sex before marriage.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cameron, S. The economic analysis of social customs: the case of pre-marital sex. J Evol Econ 11, 457–473 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00003868

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00003868

Navigation