THE DOUBLE STANDARD OF INFIDELITY: GENDERED PERCEPTIONS OF CHEATING IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Background of the Study

Infidelity is a complex and culturally sensitive subject in Nigerian society, where it is often seen as a betrayal of trust within marriage. However, there exists a significant gendered double standard regarding how infidelity is perceived and judged. While male infidelity may be condoned or excused in some cultural contexts, female infidelity often leads to severe social stigma and personal consequences. This discrepancy in the way infidelity is viewed and addressed raises important questions about gender roles, societal expectations, and the broader implications of such unequal treatment.

Historically, Nigerian society has been patriarchal, where traditional gender roles are deeply embedded in the collective consciousness. The societal perception of men as the dominant figures in relationships has allowed for some degree of leniency towards male infidelity, while women’s infidelity is seen as a breach of the cultural norms of femininity, leading to harsh judgment. This study aims to critically examine the double standard in the perception of infidelity, particularly in Nigerian urban settings, where traditional values intersect with modernity and changing gender dynamics.

The impact of this gendered perception on marital relationships, the emotional and psychological effects on spouses, and the broader social consequences for men and women involved in infidelity will be explored in this study. Additionally, the study will assess how these gendered perceptions influence the behaviours and decisions of married individuals in Nigerian society.

 

Statement of the Problem

While there is a wealth of literature addressing infidelity in various cultural contexts, there is limited research focusing on the gendered double standard that exists in Nigerian society. This study seeks to fill that gap by analysing the societal perceptions of male and female infidelity, exploring the reasons for these gender-based differences, and investigating how they affect marital relationships, emotional well-being, and social interactions.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine the gendered perceptions of infidelity in Nigerian society.

To analyse the social, emotional, and psychological consequences of these gendered perceptions on men and women involved in infidelity.

To explore how the double standard in the perception of infidelity influences marital stability in Nigerian families.

 

Research Questions

How does Nigerian society perceive male and female infidelity differently?

What are the emotional and psychological effects of the gendered perception of infidelity on men and women involved in extramarital affairs?

How does the double standard of infidelity affect the stability of marriages in Nigerian society?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it will shed light on the deeply ingrained gender biases in the Nigerian perception of infidelity. By exploring the emotional, social, and psychological consequences of the double standard, the research will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals involved in infidelity. It will also provide valuable insights for family therapists, sociologists, and policymakers seeking to address the impact of infidelity and gender inequalities on marital relationships.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on urban Nigerian families, particularly in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where there is a mixture of traditional and modern values. The study will examine both male and female perspectives on infidelity, but will be limited to the cultural context of Nigeria. It will not address the legal implications of infidelity or delve into rural areas where different cultural norms may apply.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Double standard: A situation where different principles or expectations are applied to similar situations, often based on gender.

Infidelity: The act of being unfaithful in a marriage or committed relationship, often involving sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse.

Gendered perception: The socially constructed beliefs and attitudes about the roles and behaviours of men and women.

 

References

Adebayo, S. (2018). Gender and infidelity in Nigerian society: A sociocultural analysis. Journal of African Sociology, 12(3), 40-56. Retrieved from https://www.africasociologyjournal.org/gender-infidelity

Olufunmilayo, M. (2017). The gendered double standard of infidelity in Nigerian marriages. Gender Studies Review, 21(2), 76-85. Retrieved from https://www.genderstudiesreview.org