Martin Prosperity Institute Research

by Peter J. Rentfrow, Charlotta Mellander, Richard Florida, Brian Hracs and Jeff Potter Abstract: Music spans many styles and genres, and previous research has identified five major categories of music preferences: mellow, unpretentious, sophisticated, intense, and contemporary. Our research examines the geographic variation in these five categories of music preferences and the socio-economic factors that [...]

by Richard Florida, Charlotta Mellander and Kevin Stolarick Posted November 2009 Abstract: Economists have argued that individuals choose locations that maximize their economic position and broad utility. Sociologists have found that social networks and social interactions shape our satisfaction with our communities. Research, across various social science fields, finds that beauty has a significant effect [...]