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on Cultural Economics |
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Issue of 2025–09–01
six papers chosen by Roberto Zanola, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Christos Genakos; Mario Pagliero; Lorien Sabatino; Tommaso Valletti (Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge) |
| Abstract: | Fixed book price (FBP) agreements are a form of resale price maintenance applied to books in various countries. FBP restricts retail price competition with the aim of promoting book production variety. Yet, despite its popularity and adoption in many countries, there is no empirical evidence on its effects. We offer systematic evidence on the impact of FBP on book variety and prices using a detailed new dataset from Italy that includes the universe of books published and bought, before and after the introduction of FBP. Our results indicate that FBP raises prices without significantly affecting the number of new books published in the marketplace. However, it also increases considerably the variety of books actually bought, especially from independent bookstores. We estimate a structural demand model that accounts for both effects, finding that consumers overall benefit from the regulation. |
| Date: | 2025–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jbs:wpaper:202501 |
| By: | Rémy Campos (HEM-GE - Haute École de Musique de Genève, CNSMDP - Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris); Guillaume Cot (Scènes du monde, création, savoirs critiques - UP8 - Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis - INHA, RIRRA 21 - Représenter, Inventer la Réalité, du Romantisme au XXIe siècle - UMPV - Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry); Anne-Madeleine Goulet (CESR - Centre d'études supérieures de la Renaissance UMR 7323 - MCC - Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication - UT - Université de Tours - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Suzanne Rochefort (CRULH - Centre de Recherche Universitaire Lorrain d'Histoire - UL - Université de Lorraine, UL - Université de Lorraine) |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-04847578 |
| By: | Leonardo Perini (University of Torino); Enrico Bertacchini (University of Torino); Roberto Zanola (University of Eastern Piedmont) |
| Abstract: | This study explores the impact of movie censorship in post-war Italy, a topic largely examined from historical perspectives but rarely through quantitative empirical economic analysis, especially in democratic nations. Using a unique dataset from the Ministry of Culture covering over 13, 000 films (1948–1974), the research categorizes censorship interventions and enriches them with additional film characteristics. The analysis investigates how factors such as morality, violence, crime incitement, and concerns about Italy’s international image influenced censorship decisions. It also considers the broader institutional and socio-demographic context, with preliminary findings highlighting the role of political dynamics in shaping censorship policies. |
| Keywords: | Censorship, Movie, ITSA, Italy |
| JEL: | Z1 C6 |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cue:wpaper:awp-05-2025 |
| By: | Mangiavacchi, Lucia (University of Perugia); Piccoli, Luca (University of Trento); Gambardella, Giulia (University of Perugia) |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates the long-term causal effects of music proficiency on emotional intelligence and mental health. Leveraging the staggered rollout of a school orchestra program as a quasi-experimental setting, we identify the causal impact of adolescent musical engagement. Our findings reveal that music training significantly improves both emotional intelligence and mental health into young adulthood. Specifically, musical proficiency fosters key non-cognitive traits, including self-motivation, optimism and adaptability, while also mitigating symptoms of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety. These positive effects are particularly pronounced for males and second-generation migrants. Our evidence demonstrates that learning music has a lasting positive impact on non-cognitive skills, suggesting that universal educational music programs can be a powerful, long-term tool for human capital development and inequality reduction. |
| Keywords: | transition to adulthood, mental health, emotional intelligence, music training, extracurricular activities |
| JEL: | D91 I24 J13 |
| Date: | 2025–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18064 |
| By: | Dabrowski, Piotr (Department of Real Estate and Construction Management, Royal Institute of Technology); Wilhelmsson, Mats (Department of Real Estate and Construction Management, Royal Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Public preferences for classical architecture are well known, yet the economic impact of such styles in new housing developments remains unclear. This study examines whether neo-traditional architectural design influences higher apartment prices in Stockholm, thereby addressing a gap in real estate valuation research. Using 16, 508 housing transactions from 2017 to 2021, we apply hedonic price models, spatial econometrics, and propensity score matching to estimate the price effect of neo-traditional style while controlling for location, housing attributes, and selection bias. Results show that apartments in neo-traditional buildings command a 5–6% price premium, with the effect most substantial in lower-priced segments. These findings suggest that architectural style influences housing value independently of location or other housing features. Our results highlight how aesthetic preferences affect market outcomes and support the use of spatial methods in valuation research. The findings have implications for urban design, architectural policy, and housing market strategies. |
| Keywords: | Neo-traditional architecture; housing price premium; hedonic pricing; spatial econometrics; urban housing market; architectural aesthetics; real estate valuation; cultural heritage; Stockholm housing market; real estate economics |
| JEL: | C21 R21 Z18 |
| Date: | 2025–08–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:kthrec:2025_007 |
| By: | Eckhardt, Yannick; Hoffmann, Jakob (LMU Munich); Namberger, Philipp |
| Abstract: | Exceptional architecture is widely recognized for its seeming impact on the cultural and economic trajectories of cities. However, the specific attractive potential of any given project and thus its impact on the regional economy is often contentious, and identifying measurable increases for outcomes of interest, such as visitor numbers, is empirically challenging. This study investigates the causal effects of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg on local tourism development. Employing the synthetic control method, we create a counterfactual scenario to estimate how Hamburg’s tourism trajectory might have unfolded without the construction of the Elbphilharmonie. Contrasting recent debates highlighting the often underwhelming nature of 'star architecture', our findings indicate that the concert hall has had a major effect on tourism: In the seven and a half years from its opening in January 2017 to the second quarter of 2024, the Elbphilharmonie is estimated to be responsible for 13 million additional overnight stays, despite the period covering the covid pandemic. |
| Date: | 2025–07–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:fz3bg_v1 |