Heterosexual infidelity is increasingly common. Statistics vary, but most estimate that 20% of married men have secret extramarital sexual relationships at one point or another. Why? This illicit betrayal can ruin lives and tear families apart. So, what drives men to cheat on women?
The 'Other Woman' is why men cheat
This approach believes the fault lies with the woman who lured the man into temptation.
Women lure men away from their partners
Infidelity takes place when a woman chooses to lure a faithful man away from their unsuspecting partners.
The masculine ideal makes male infidelity permissible. Some communities treat male infidelity as a norm, or even encourage it.
Society conditions men to cheat
Strength. Virility. Bedpost notches. Men are socialised into aspirations of a "male ideal". This can lead to cheating, as a type of performative masculinity.
