Stereotypes in film and television programs do certainly add to this pervasive image. Men tell themselves that less is most definitely not more and that there is genuine ‘cool’ to be gained by bedding as many women as they can lay their hands on, so to speak.
And perhaps we just expect more from women and are more shocked when a woman is unfaithful and ends up cheating on her spouse or partner. For all sorts of reasons, some very basic biological ones, women are thought of as more monogamous than men. Women on the whole seem more committed to wanting and needing that one special partner to share their lives with, for better or worse. At least this seems to be the perceived image.
In our Western society we tend to assign women to a special place, a niche pedestal if you will. Men are just the poor so-and-so’s who have to make the most of themselves and their many inherent flaws. So when men cheat we are not surprised and almost expect it. Lust is a powerful motivator. When women cheat we seem overly shocked. And let’s face it; some men get away with an awful lot.
Further reading: 'Women cheat too' Sydney Morning Herald
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