Question

Your kind and loyal spouse is woefully inadequate in bed despite your best attempts to teach them. Does this give you a right to seek sexual satisfaction somewhere else?

Answers

Yes, as long as it’s safe, and there’s no love involved.
Absolutely not.
Yes, as long as they don’t find out.

1. Gender Differences in Justifying Infidelity

Survey Insight: Research consistently shows that men are more likely to view sexual dissatisfaction as a valid reason for cheating compared to women. A survey conducted by YouGov in 2018 found that 34% of men believed it was acceptable to cheat if they were not sexually satisfied, compared to only 16% of women who felt the same way. This suggests a significant gender difference in how sexual needs are perceived in the context of relationship fidelity.

2. Attitudes Towards Infidelity and Sexual Satisfaction

Study Insight: A study published in the Journal of Sex Research (2017) explored the reasons behind infidelity and found that men were more likely to cite sexual dissatisfaction as a justification for cheating. This aligns with traditional gender roles where men are often seen as having a stronger drive for sexual fulfillment and may feel more entitled to seek it outside the relationship if it’s lacking.

3. Sexual Motivation and Infidelity

Research Insight: Studies have shown that men are generally more motivated by sexual needs when it comes to infidelity. A study from the Journal of Marriage and Family (2013) highlighted that men were more likely than women to cheat for sexual reasons, while women were more likely to cite emotional dissatisfaction as the reason for infidelity.

4. Cultural and Social Norms
Survey Insight: Cultural attitudes also play a role. For instance, in a survey conducted by IFOP (a French research organization) in 2019, it was found that men across various cultures were more likely to justify infidelity due to sexual dissatisfaction. This was especially true in societies where male sexual desire is often emphasized as a key component of masculinity.

5. The Role of Sexual Satisfaction in Relationship Dynamics

Study Insight: Research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior (2015) indicated that men who reported low levels of sexual satisfaction in their relationships were significantly more likely to consider or engage in infidelity. This study also pointed out that these men often viewed their behavior as more justified compared to those who were sexually satisfied.

Conclusion

The research and surveys suggest that men are more likely than women to justify infidelity based on sexual dissatisfaction. These findings reflect broader societal and cultural attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and relationship dynamics, where men often feel a stronger connection between sexual fulfillment and relationship satisfaction. While these attitudes are not universal and vary by individual and culture, they are consistently observed across different studies and surveys.