A recent analysis of General Social Survey (GSS) data reveals a growing disparity between Democratic and Republican men regarding attitudes toward marital fidelity. The study, conducted by the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), indicates Democratic men are increasingly tolerant of extramarital affairs and more likely to report having engaged in infidelity themselves.

The GSS, a long-running survey of American adults, provided data for the IFS analysis, which focused on married or previously married men aged 18-55. A significant shift in attitudes was observed among Democratic men over the past decade. While 76% considered extramarital sex "always wrong" between 2010 and 2014, that number dropped to 53% between 2016 and 2022.

In contrast, Republican men's views on fidelity remained largely consistent during the same period, with roughly 80% disapproving of extramarital affairs. This difference in perspective was also reflected in self-reported infidelity. The study found 18% of Democratic men admitted to having sex outside of marriage, compared to 13% of Republican men.

Religious affiliation appears to play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward fidelity. According to the IFS, 90% of Republican men who attend religious services monthly condemn extramarital affairs, compared to 74% of non-religious Republicans. A similar trend was observed among Democratic men, although the disparity was less pronounced. Interestingly, there was no statistically significant difference in reported infidelity between religious and secular Democratic men.

Among Republican men, however, those who identified as religious were less likely to report cheating (10%) compared to their secular counterparts (15%). This research suggests a complex interplay between political affiliation, religious beliefs, and attitudes toward marital fidelity.