Adherence to complementary gender stereotypes and attitudes towards male infidelity

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’s work (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.