Adherence to complementary gender stereotypes and attitudes towards male infidelity

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Adherence to complementary gender stereotypes and attitudes towards male infidelity

Achille Vicky DZUETSO MOUAFO¹, Hermann Kevin EKANGO NZEKAIH², Stéphane SOGBOU LOYEM^3
1Department of Philosophy/Psychology, University of Maroua, Cameroon
²Department of Philosophy-Psychology-Sociology, University of Dschang, Cameroon
³International Relations Institute of Cameroon, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the effect of adherence to complementary gender stereotypes on attitudes toward male infidelity. It aims to contribute to the literature on the implication of stereotypes in the maintenance of disproportionate social and sexual conditions (Eagly & Wood, 1999; Jost & Kay, 2005; Kahalon, 2018). It tests the hypothesis that adherence to complementary gender stereotypes has an effect on attitudes towards male infidelity. 87 students of both sexes, enrolled in the psychology unit of the University of Dschang (Cameroon), were selected to participate voluntarily in the study. Their age varies between 15 and 41 years (M. = 21.44; SD = 4.71). The procedure of data collection was inspired by Jost and Kay’swork (2005). Participants responded to measures of complementary gender stereotypes, simple gender stereotypes, and attitudes toward male infidelity. The data collected provides empirical support for the hypothesis of the study. Indeed, adherence to complementary gender stereotypes positively affects attitude towards male infidelity (β = 16.67; t = 3.58; p˂.02), just as much as adherence to simple gender stereotypes (β = 19.23; t = 5.29; p˂.01). It is concluded that men and women mutually participate in maintaining disproportionate social and sexual conditions.

Keywords: gender, complementary gender stereotypes, simple gender stereotypes, infidelity, attitude towards male infidelity.

I. INTRODUCTION

Infidelity is the engagement in a sexual relationship other than a two-person or monogamous relationship (Mark et al., 2011). It is, therefore, a major problem for couple relationships, due to the intrusion of a third person into the relational dyad (Ojedokun, 2015). Survey data shows that around 50% of people are inclined to engage in some form of infidelity at some point of their married life (Drigotas et al., 1999). This behavior generates distress, torment, and sometimes it is the cause of the complete breakdown of romantic relationships. It is seen as a breach of trust or a breakdown in the understanding of monogamy, because it tramples on the principle of sexual exclusivity (Pittman et al., 1995). It involves a certain number of activities: extramarital affair, inclusive sex, emotional bonds beyond friendships, digital romantic and inclusive touching relationships (Zare, 2011; Mehrinejad & Shahabi, 2018). It depends on the type of relationship that exists between individuals and varies between cultures.

Read More