These are unique times in the United States. The economy has had its effect on marriages, temporarily decreasing the rate of divorce in the country. Plus, this time of recession wherein unemployment rates are high has made for a change in the demographics of the U.S. workforce.

More women have had to step into the workforce, and it is not uncommon today that a wife who goes back to work is doing so because her husband either has been laid off or is not making enough for the family to get by.

A recent Cornell University study offers a valuable insight into the effect of spousal income on infidelity. Most notably, they researched the rate of infidelity in relationships when the woman earned a higher income than the man in the relationship.

The researchers followed 9,000 people whom they chose in 1997 and then surveyed them over a six-year span when they were between the ages of 17 and 27. Religion, race, income and gender were all studied factors regarding their effects on infidelity.

According to Cornell University's research, one of the most significant factors that contributes to whether a man cheats on his wife or girlfriend is if she makes more money than he does. Also, if a woman makes more than her male partner, the chance that she will be unfaithful also increases.

One of the researchers from the study suggests the reason why a man might cheat if he earns less income than a woman is because he feels as though his masculinity is being threatened. An affair probably helps him assert his power and makes him feel more at ease by fitting within his expected gender role.

Because one leading cause of divorce is infidelity, if this study's theories hold true, then it adds a new meaning to the fact that money is the leading cause of divorce in the U.S. 

Resource

Bloomberg Businessweek: Infidelity Rises When She Makes More Than He Does (8/16/2010)