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Peer effects in sexual initiation: Separating demand and supply mechanisms

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  • Seth Richards‐Shubik

Abstract

Most work on social interactions studies a single, composite effect of interactions within a group. Yet in the case of sexual initiation, there are two distinct social mechanisms—peer‐group norms and partner availability—with separate effects and different potential interventions. Here I develop an equilibrium search and matching model for first sexual partners that specifies distinct roles for these two mechanisms as part of demand and supply. I estimate the model using a national sample of high school students, with data over time on individual virginity status. The results indicate that peer‐group norms have a large effect on the timing of sexual initiation for both boys and girls. Changes in opposite‐gender search behavior (i.e., partner availability) also have a large impact on initiation rates for boys, but not for girls.

Suggested Citation

  • Seth Richards‐Shubik, 2015. "Peer effects in sexual initiation: Separating demand and supply mechanisms," Quantitative Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 6(3), pages 663-702, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:quante:v:6:y:2015:i:3:p:663-702
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    Cited by:

    1. Bethencourt, Carlos & Santos-Torres, Daniel, 2023. "Gender-role identity in adolescence and women fertility in adulthood," MPRA Paper 116321, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Andrea Atencio & Darwin CortÔøΩs & Juan Miguel Gallego & DarÔøΩo Maldonado, 2015. "School Management and Sexual Behavior of Teenagers," Documentos de Trabajo 12423, Universidad del Rosario.
    3. Anton Badev, 2014. "Discrete Games in Endogenous Networks: Theory and Policy," 2014 Meeting Papers 901, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    4. Magdalena Bennett & Peter Bergman, 2021. "Better Together? Social Networks in Truancy and the Targeting of Treatment," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(1), pages 1-36.
    5. Digafe Tsegaye Nigatu & Shewaye Fituma, 2017. "Sexual initiation and factors related with it among female youths in west Shoa, Ambo town, Ethiopia: Community based Cross sectional study," Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing, IPR Journals and Book Publishers, vol. 1(1), pages 52-64.
    6. Darwin Cortés & Carmen Elisa Fl�rez & Marta Carolina Ibarra & Daniel Mart�nez & Elvia Vargas Trujillo, 2016. "Educación de la Sexualidad, prácticas docentes y conocimientos de los estudiantes: Una evaluación del Programa de Educación para la Sexualidad y Construcción de Ciudadanía (PESCC)," Documentos de Trabajo 14541, Universidad del Rosario.
    7. Shooshan Danagoulian, 2018. "Taking the hassle out of wellness: Do peers and health matter?," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 1-23, March.
    8. Timothy G. Conley & Nirav Mehta & Ralph Stinebrickner & Todd Stinebrickner, 2024. "Social Interactions, Mechanisms, and Equilibrium: Evidence from a Model of Study Time and Academic Achievement," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 132(3), pages 824-866.
    9. Alberto Chong & Marco Gonzalez-Navarro & Dean Karlan & Martín Valdivia, 2020. "Do Information Technologies Improve Teenagers’ Sexual Education? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation in Colombia," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 34(2), pages 371-392.
    10. Fletcher, Jason M. & Polos, Jessica, 2017. "Nonmarital and Teen Fertility," IZA Discussion Papers 10833, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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