<P> The performance of dominant gender roles by men and submissive gender roles by women influence the power dynamic of a heterosexual marriage . In some American households, women internalize gender role stereotypes and often assimilate into the role of "wife", "mother", and "caretaker" in conformity to societal norms and their male partner . Author bell hooks states "within the family structure, individuals learn to accept sexist oppression as' natural' and are primed to support other forms of oppression, including heterosexist domination ." "(T) he cultural, economic, political and legal supremacy of the husband" was "(t) raditional...under English law". This patriarchal dynamic is contrasted with a conception of egalitarian or Peer Marriage in which power and labour are divided equally, and not according to gender roles . </P> <P> In the US, studies have shown that, despite egalitarian ideals being common, less than half of respondents viewed their opposite - sex relationships as equal in power, with unequal relationships being more commonly dominated by the male partner . Studies also show that married couples find the highest level of satisfaction in egalitarian relationships and lowest levels of satisfaction in wife dominate relationships . In recent years, egalitarian or Peer Marriages have been receiving increasing focus and attention politically, economically and culturally in a number of countries, including the United States . </P> <P> Different societies demonstrate variable tolerance of extramarital sex . The Standard Cross-Cultural Sample describes the occurrence of extramarital sex by gender in over 50 pre-industrial cultures . The occurrence of extramarital sex by men is described as "universal" in 6 cultures, "moderate" in 29 cultures, "occasional" in 6 cultures, and "uncommon" in 10 cultures . The occurrence of extramarital sex by women is described as "universal" in 6 cultures, "moderate" in 23 cultures, "occasional" in 9 cultures, and "uncommon" in 15 cultures . Three studies using nationally representative samples in the United States found that between 10--15% of women and 20--25% of men engage in extramarital sex . </P> <P> Many of the world's major religions look with disfavor on sexual relations outside marriage . There are non-secular states that sanction criminal penalties for sexual intercourse before marriage . Sexual relations by a married person with someone other than his / her spouse is known as adultery . Adultery is considered in many jurisdictions to be a crime and grounds for divorce . </P>

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