Need to raise some cash? Read on..

Are you finding it hard to raise the funds necessary for what you want?

• First car?
• University?
• Tanzania?

You may find yourself taking part in demoralising acts, such as the X-factor, cake sales or fun runs. I can happily let you know that this is NOT your only option! Meet Catarina Migliorini.

This 20 year old Brazilian decided a few months ago that she would like to study Medicine in Argentina and so would need to raise the money for it before she embarked upon this journey. Typically studying in Argentina costs around £6,000 a year for teaching fees, accommodation and all other living expenses. The study of medicine takes 6 years to complete in Argentina, so it would take something rather special to raise the estimated £36,000 needed to complete the course: And this young lady had that something.

In mid-August, Catarina started an auction for the privilege to take her virginity. Yes, her virginity.  The agreement would be that she and the lucky winner would spend no less than an hour, if necessary, expelling her purity on a flight from Australia to America, in order to not break local prostitution laws. The winner would have to agree that there would only be one act of intercourse, and there would be no kissing, filming or use of other objects. To prove her innocence she would have medical tests conducted, at the expense of the winner. And how much did she raise? £487,000.

Congratulations Mr Natsu of Japan.

Other than the obvious, there are many economic reasons why this was such a success. What she was offering was a homogeneous product, something that is unique to her. It also happens to have the advantage to the consumer that he will be the only one to ever experience this, making it a USP. You could perhaps suggest that the market for doing so is a duopoly. It bears many of the characteristics of such a market, like the differentiation of a similar product; or the few producers willing to sell this; or the decisions made by each producer which are independent of each other. It seems to all make sense.

However, as we all know, with every positive point made in economics there should be an evaluation. There are many moral issues present with selling your body to a stranger, and some would argue that you are not worthy of possessing this body if you deem it acceptable to use it in such a way. This is a point reiterated by Michael Sandel in his book ‘What Money Can’t Buy,’ as he discusses the morality of some large companies who exploit and corrupt throughout the world. The same can be thought of this particular scenario. Also, with the amount of publicity generated through this, Catarina may find it much harder to find an employer in the future who will take her seriously.

So yes, one way to raise the vital funds you need for the next stage of your life is through the sale of something so very personal to you. But think again boys. Another young man chose to take part with Catarina by selling his virginity to raise some money. Unfortunately for him, he raised a mere £1,800.

DISCLAIMER: Ignatian Economics does not endorse nor recommend selling your virginity for money.