This paper explores how rising living standards during the Early Modern Period influenced the emotional components of romantic love and reproductive behaviors in Europe. Using a novel method of analyzing historical texts, the study shows that increases in wages and GDP per capita contributed to a rise in romantic love, characterized by tenderness and emotional attachment, in literary works. Furthermore, romantic love correlated with higher nuptial rates and changes in fertility behavior, suggesting that improved economic conditions fostered long-term romantic bonds and greater parental investment in fewer children.

Martins, M. J. D., & Baumard, N. (2024). Reproductive strategies and romantic love in Early Modern Europe. Archives of Sexual Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02759-4