This article investigates female marital infidelity in a "Women's Club" in Rio de Janeiro. Data show gender inequality regarding marital infidelity. Some male domination elements, such as heteronomy and victimization, remain among informants. For the majority of them, a wish to betray does not mean that they will be allowed to betray. Many women use hiding strategies and "justifications" that show betrayal as a reaction to marriage routine and/or to a partner's supposed infidelity. Either traitors and/or betrayed, the men are dominant. A rupture with some normative female gender precepts is a pleasure source, but also brings about fault feelings. Traditional values, such as fidelity, security and stability appear side by side with others considered modern, such as independence, autonomy and privacy.
(in)fidelity; conjugality; gender; sexuality; women's club