Running head: Perceptions on Infidelity
Male and Female Perceptions on Infidelity
The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between men and women's perceptions of infidelity. Specifically, the correlation between relationship status (dating and married) and infidelity views was determined. Subjects for the study included 21 dating males and 38 dating females, and 47 married males and 60 married females. The results demonstrated that while males showed more positive views toward infidelity compared to females, relationship status was not a factor. In addition, relationship status (dating and married) was positively correlated with negative views of infidelity in all cases, supporting all hypotheses. It is concluded that males and females view infidelity negatively overall, relationship status is not a factor, and males view infidelity less negatively, compared to females.
The following is an introduction to the topic of gender views on infidelity. A review of relevant literature is guided by the following research question: What is the correlation between relationship commitment (defined as dating and married) and infidelity views in men and women?
Almost all Americans disapprove of infidelity, with as many as 90 percent of them saying that it is always or almost always wrong for married people to have sex with someone besides their spouse, according to one report (Treas & Giesen, 2000). Almost half the states in the U. S. still have laws on their books against adultery that would deny married people who commit adultery the right to vote, serve alcohol, practice law, adopt children, or raise their own children. Factors making Americans more likely to engage in extramarital sex include being male, being African American, and being better educated. Reports indicated that only between 1.5 percent and 3.6 percent of married persons had a secondary sex partner in the last year (Treas & Giesen, 2000...