Interesting Side Effect of the Economic Downturn

Last week UPI published an article:

Beach goers in France going topless less

French academic Dr. Guy Fournier said while female beach goers in France have traditionally bared their breasts without a second thought, the trend has declined due in part to the declining economy, The (Britain) Daily Mail said Friday.

"Bare breasts are viewed as a totally natural state on the beach," Fournier said."But public morality follows people's confidence and optimism in their wealth and lifestyle."

"During an economic downturn, women are less inclined to let it all hang out and more likely to cover up.

This is certainly an interesting side effect of the economy, and it kind of makes you think a little more about the psychological impact of times like these. I definitely think people tend to be a bit more prudent about their spending but I wouldn't necessarily conclude it would extend to their extracurricular activities. It would be interesting to read the research that came to this conclusion. Is it possible that maybe less women were on the beach (having less spare money for vacation)?