About the project

Infidelity has been studied extensively, but primarily from a psychological perspective, with a focus on the personal characteristics of the person who cheats or the quality of the established relationship. This project takes a social interactionist perspective and explores the social significance of infidelity through the stories of people who have been unfaithful, have been cheated on, or have experienced infidelity in other close relationships. In a Swedish context, there is very little research on infidelity, and this project offers a unique insight into experiences of infidelity among people aged 20 to 80. These experiences can be linked to major societal and historical changes in recent decades, thereby connecting the dramatic events in close relationships to broader societal transformations.

By analysing 137 digitally collected life stories, three types of narratives are identified: those that relate infidelity to relationship problems; individual challenges and desires; or circumstances. This third category, often dismissed as excuses for being unfaithful, is explored to provide a more nuanced picture of infidelity and its prevalence. By exploring the stories of the couple, the self, and the circumstances, the book contributes to our understanding of infidelity as social practices with the potential to foster self-actualisation, moral reflection, and new forms of social relationships. By introducing the concept of infidelity practices, the project demonstrates how social interactionist concepts can help us identify the many different social practices and meanings involved in infidelity.

A popular science book titled Sex, svek och självförverkligande. Berättelser om otrohet will be published by Makadam in 2026/27. The project will also result in international articles.