| Abstract: |
Social norms are influenced by the technological environment that a society
faces. Behavioral modes reflect 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 women 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. |