Sex in the Time of Recession
Does less money mean more lovin'? We crunched the numbers.
![man looking at mannequins in lingerie in storefront window](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/76znXEHhDQ3bzsvVnVdRie-415-80.jpg)
Right around the time Lehman Brothers flatlined in mid-September, drugstore sales for Durex condoms were up 6 percent over the same period last year. Coincidence?
The number of personals in Craigslist's "Casual Encounters" section jumped from 1.4 million in September 2007 to 3.1 million in September 2008. Said one dater's posting: "Recession, economy got you down? . . . One way I've found to ALLEVIATE this stress I'm feeling is by FUCKING!"
In the last week of September, just as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was pushing his historic $700 billion bailout through Congress, sales at New York sex-toy emporium Babeland spiked 25 percent over the same period the year before. Sales online increased 16 percent.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The All-Time Favorite Sex Positions of 11 Real Women
"It makes me feel like the sexiest woman on earth."
By The Editors Published
-
The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The vibes are immaculate.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Sex Games for Couples in 2023
Who said game nights need to be wholesome?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 14 Best Lubes for Every Need
Good sex should always go smoothly.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
30 Female-Friendly Porn Websites for Any Mood
All the best websites, right this way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
The 82 Best Cheap Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget
"Love don't cost a thing." —J.Lo
By The Editors Last updated
-
Diary of a Non-Monogamist
Rachel Krantz, author of the new book 'Open,' shares the ups and downs of her journey into the world of open relationships.
By Abigail Pesta Published
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published