Sexual Freedom and Its Impact on Economic Growth and Prosperity
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
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.
Endorsements (3)
“Not everyone will agree with Bose's prescription for a free society. However, in a decade when low birth rates and population collapse are gaining attention, expect more introspection like this. Bose argues that choices we have been taught to think of as private shape our economic future and even determine the survival of our civilization.”
“Bose's book is a tour de force on ‘sexual freedom’ in society. He builds on previous work about economic and political freedom, describing their relationship to well-being. He traces thoughts on sexual freedom by prominent thinkers and develops an ‘index of sexual freedom’ based on definitions of sex crimes and legal protections for marriage. The result is a provocative discussion of the relationship between prosperity and sexual restraint by individuals, society, and public policy.”
“Dr. Feler Bose provides fascinating insight on an important, yet rarely discussed topic. He patiently and systematically offers resource data that creates a compelling argument that sexual freedom directly impacts economic progress. Utilizing pertinent case studies and historical expertise, Bose paints a moral landscape that serves as a cyclical harbinger of demise for future generations. Freedom, on any front, does not come without cost. Dr. Bose dares to ask the question, ‘How much are we willing to pay?’”
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