As a logical extension to the microeconomic analysis of human relationships, this study examines the actual method of mate search, in particular the use of personal advertisements. Some empirical support is found for Becker's (1973, 1974) explanations of mating strategy, but in relation to the...

This study provides an empirical analysis of the market for some male prostitution services in the UK. Flexible working hours, part-time working, and multiple job holding are considered as important labour market characteristics in this service sector. Statistical models helping explain the...

Estimates of the demand for cigarettes in Turkey uncovered significant effects from prices, incomes, education and health scares. The previous study did not pre-test for the presence of unit roots. This note reports the undertaking of this task, and the results of cointegrating regression...

This paper presents the first attempts by economists to estimate an equation of the demand curve for sexual relationship partner attributes. The focus is on the age of partner sought as the item demanded. A sample of newspaper 'personal ads' is used to construct the demand curve. The estimates...

Economists have hitherto neglected the behaviour of the personal introduction agency sector. This paper presents estimates of the average cost function. It is found to have a U-shaped pattern. Average costs are also shown to be higher when the agency guarantees a minimum number of dates and...