Is Infidelity Viewed Differently Abroad? A Comparative Look at Global Attitudes
News and social media are filled with stories of celebrities caught in affairs or couples divorcing due to infidelity. Just hearing the word “infidelity” can stir up strong negative feelings. Yet, some people believe that overseas, people might be more tolerant of cheating. In this article, we’ll compare how different countries view and handle infidelity, contrasting these attitudes with those in Japan.
Which Countries Have the Highest Infidelity Rates?
According to a survey by Sagami Rubber Industries, countries with the highest rates of infidelity include:
1st: Thailand
2nd: Denmark
3rd: Italy
4th: Germany
5th: France
6th: Norway
7th: Belgium
8th: Spain
9th: United Kingdom
9th: Finland
Japan isn’t in the top 10. Despite frequent media coverage of infidelity scandals, Japanese rates are relatively low at about 21%. Thailand, at the top with 56%, suggests nearly half of married couples experience infidelity, which makes Japan’s figure seem modest by comparison.
（引用元：https://www.sagami-gomu.co.jp/project/nipponnosex/love_sex.html）
Global Perspectives on Infidelity
Seeing these rankings might raise questions like, “Why is Thailand number one?” or “Are Europeans really more prone to affairs?” Let’s examine various countries’ attitudes toward infidelity.
Thailand
Thailand stands out in Asia for its high infidelity rate. One reason might be the proactive approach both men and women take toward romance. While not everyone condones cheating, the mindset of “if there’s a chance for a great romance, don’t miss it” is common. Multiple relationships, even before marriage, aren’t unusual. Though Thai women often have sharp intuition and can catch their partner’s cheating, the widespread belief that love should be pursued freely may contribute to the high infidelity rate.
United States & United Kingdom
The U.S. is known for freedom of lifestyle, yet it’s not as lenient about infidelity as some might assume. Being a litigious society, Americans recognize infidelity’s legal and financial risks, including hefty compensation payouts in a lawsuit. Additionally, many Americans follow Protestant Christianity, which deems adultery sinful.
Similarly, the U.K., with a strong Protestant background and a national tendency to care about social reputation, also generally views infidelity negatively. As a result, both countries have relatively low infidelity rates.
France & Italy
France is more permissive, with infidelity carrying no legal penalties. The French often choose partnerships without formal marriage. Even political figures caught in affairs don’t suffer major public backlash. Italy’s high infidelity rate might stem from the bold romanticism of Italian men, who are often unafraid to approach women and may cheat repeatedly even when in a relationship.
Russia
In Russia, infidelity isn’t uncommon and can be seen as a sort of adult indulgence. Many couples may have an unspoken understanding that affairs happen, and the topic appears frequently in classic Russian literature. Though not everyone condones infidelity, it’s often not met with strong condemnation.
Other Asian Countries
In Asia, including Japan, views vary. In South Korea, until 2015, adultery was punishable by imprisonment under “adultery laws,” reflecting a harsh stance against infidelity. China also largely disapproves of it. Yet, as societies modernize and become more open-minded about relationships and divorce, instances of infidelity may increase. For example, the Philippines still has adultery laws with imprisonment, though some engage in secret affairs anyway.
What Happens If You Commit Infidelity in Japan?
We’ve looked abroad; now let’s return to Japan’s perspective. Infidelity here has clear legal consequences.
You Become the “At-Fault Spouse”
Once caught cheating, the unfaithful partner is labeled the “at-fault spouse.” The betrayed partner can demand divorce on these grounds, and if the cheater wants a divorce, courts usually dismiss such requests from the at-fault spouse.
You May Face Compensation Claims
Infidelity causes emotional harm to the faithful spouse. They can seek compensation for that distress. Even if you reconcile and stay married, compensation is still possible. If you divorce or separate, the amount often increases.
You Risk Less Favorable Divorce Terms
During divorce, marital property is typically split. While cheating doesn’t negate property division, if the divorce stems from infidelity, the at-fault spouse may end up with less favorable terms.
Conclusion
Attitudes toward infidelity differ around the world, and some might surprise you compared to Japanese norms. Although globalization and changing social values have influenced opinions on love and marriage, in Japan, infidelity remains a civil wrongdoing. If you need to handle a cheating situation properly, gathering evidence is crucial. If you suspect your partner of infidelity, consult a lawyer or a detective agency for professional guidance.
