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Objectives: This article analyzes the extent to which the legal framework for prostitution can influence the moral judgments individuals make about purchasing sex. We hypothesize that the decriminalization of prostitution (versus the criminalization of purchasing sexual services) increases the acceptability of buying sex. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we conduct a factorial survey experiment (FSE) for a Spanish sample. Various descriptions (vignettes) of hypothetical scenarios regarding prostitution in Spain were presented to the respondents to elicit them to form judgements about the acceptability of purchasing sexual services (by a man from a woman) in each of these scenarios. Results: From the analysis carried out with multilevel models, robust and causal empirical evidence was obtained in favor of this hypothesis. This result was moderated by some of the contextual variables presented in the vignettes and by some personal characteristics of the respondents. Conclusions: Different legal approaches to the sex industry can influence attitudes towards purchasing sexual services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates, for the case of Spain, to what extent the introduction in March 2007 of a non-transferable 13-day paternity leave has encouraged men to make greater use of childbirth leave. Data were drawn from the Spanish Economically Active Population Survey, covering the period 2005-2009. We use a natural experiment approach, comparing the behavior of wage earners fathers with children of less than 1 year of age before and after the reform and using mothers as control group. After estimating a difference-in-differences logistic regression model we obtain statistical evidence that there is a higher percentage of males on leave in the reference week in the post-reform period (after 2007). The article also analyzes some of the personal and socio-economic determinants of the fathers' use of childbirth leave. Fathers are more likely to be on leave if they have stability in employment, if there are facilities for reconciling work and family life (working in the public sector) and if the partner is employed. The father's age has an interesting U-shaped influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main idea proposed in this article is that organizations which provide facilities for reconciling working and family life among their employees-family-friendly companies-not only make it easier for mothers to combine work and family, but also, for fathers. Consequently, working in this type of environment may stimulate the father's involvement in childcare. For the case of Spain, based on the sample of 3,094 males originating in the macro Survey of Quality of Life in the Workplace of 2007, an indicator of a family-friendly company was constructed. From this indicator, as well as other socio-labor variables that appear in the survey, a descriptive statistical analysis and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried in order to know, first, if working in this type of workplace exerts a positive effect on male workers' willingness to take maternity leave (in the event of having a child); and, second, what is the effect on this willingness of some other relevant socio-labor variables (age, university studies, non-working partner, working in public administration and high net monthly earnings). Findings indicated that age, having a non-working partner and being high income men are factors reducing male workers' inclination to ask for leave. And, conversely, working in family-friendly companies makes it more likely that males will take leave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze how capital mobility affects economic growth and convergence, this paper will use the analytical solution to the neoclassical growth model with a constant saving rate, beginning with the closed-economy Solow growth model. An introduction to international capital flows will follow. In an open economy, free capital mobility assures an instantaneous convergence in interest rates that, under a perfect competence situation, implies the instantaneous convergence in income levels among homogeneous countries. Taking into account this question and to reconcile these results with empirical evidence, that is, with the gradual convergence observed, the assumption is introduced that in spite of free capital mobility, there are international credit restrictions. In this case, we will show how the rate of convergence depends on the international capital inflows received. (JEL 040) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which developed an economic growth model with public capital that determines when exogenous or endogenous growth appears, showing the optimal public sector dimension. Economic growth model with public capital; Convergence equation; Conclusions.

Provides information on a study on the effects of the international gradual transmission of technology on the convergence processes among countries. Main objective of less developed countries; Gradual diffusion of technology and catch-up; Conclusions.