Sexual Freedom and Its Impact on Economic Growth and Prosperity

Many today believe that all forms of freedom—economic, political, and sexual—are inherently beneficial. However, J. D. Unwin argues that limiting sexual freedom is crucial for cultural and economic advancement. He observed that sexual freedom and economic freedom are substitutes but did not fully explain why. In this book, Feler Bose aims to provide a causal explanation for what he calls Unwin’s thesis. Unwin suggests that “Pauline absolute monogamy” was essential for the sustained economic growth experienced by Northwest Europe, particularly England. Regarding this, the Protestant Reformation played a pivotal role by promoting literacy and Bible reading, which helped internalize norms across a broad section of the population. This cultural shift contributed to the economic takeoff in the nineteenth century. The book also examines various theories on why rapid economic growth occurred in England and argues that these theories are incomplete without considering Unwin’s thesis. By understanding the relationship between sexual norms and economic development, we can gain deeper insights into the factors that drive societal progress. This exploration highlights the importance of cultural and moral frameworks in shaping economic outcomes and underscores the complex interplay between different forms of freedom. Read more