Men and women also view two issues that conflict with traditional societal “ideals” of a committed monogamous relationship — adultery and polygamy — differently, although, in both cases, only small percentages of each find them acceptable. Men are seven percentage points more likely to say polygamy or having an affair is morally acceptable. Interestingly, while men regularly have been more likely than women to say polygamy is morally acceptable over the years, attitudes on adultery have fluctuated over time. In 2001, there were no gender differences on this issue. The gap has widened and narrowed in the years since, but the overarching pattern shows men are slightly more likely to find adultery morally acceptable.
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