This paper provides the first econometric analysis of rationalizations of virginity loss in terms of love. Data from the UK
National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles are used to estimate logit equations to predict the claim that virginity
loss was occasioned by being in love. The sample consists of 2,269 males and 1,476 females between the ages of 16 and 59.
In economic terms, a dichotomy is found in terms of male and female virginity loss, such that to a degree it is possible to
infer that sex is for males more of a consumption good, whilst for females it is more of a capital good.
virginity loss - gender - love
This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.