This work investigates the sociological and psychological drivers of extramarital relationships to understand why individuals engage in adultery despite societal norms. Annette Lawson, a sociologist, utilizes extensive interview data and survey research to construct a framework that examines the discrepancy between public morality and private behavior. The book argues that infidelity is not merely a moral failing but a complex response to the structural and emotional pressures inherent in modern marriage.

Experts recognize this text as a significant sociological study that provides a nuanced look at the complexities of human commitment. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational resource for those studying the sociology of the family.