Untrue by Wednesday Martin Summary

Untrue challenges societal myths about female monogamy, using anthropological research, primatology, and interviews to argue women are not biologically wired for exclusivity. The book explores evolutionary roots of female desire, cultural double standards in infidelity judgments, and how women navigate sexuality in restrictive social frameworks.

This book is ideal for readers interested in gender studies, evolutionary psychology, or feminist critiques of relationships. It’s particularly relevant for therapists, sociologists, and anyone questioning traditional narratives about women’s fidelity.

Yes—Untrue offers groundbreaking insights backed by cross-cultural research and vivid case studies. As a New York Times bestseller by acclaimed social scientist Wednesday Martin, it reshapes conversations about female sexuality and modern relationships.

Martin presents evidence from primates and human societies suggesting female sexual fluidity is evolutionarily advantageous. For example, langur monkeys mate promiscuously to protect offspring, while women may seek extramarital relationships to maintain marital stability.

The book reveals society punishes unfaithful women more harshly than men—financially, socially, and professionally. African American women face amplified stereotypes, being disproportionately labeled “hypersexual” despite similar infidelity rates across demographics.

Key sources include primatologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy’s work on langur mating strategies, sociologist Alicia Walker’s studies on deliberate female cheating, and anthropologist Zanna Clay’s analysis of sexual vocalizations as mate-advertising tactics.

Yes—Martin highlights how racist stereotypes falsely portray Black women as inherently promiscuous, leading to disproportionate social and economic penalties when they’re unfaithful compared to white women.

While Esther Perel’s work focuses on relationship dynamics, Untrue specifically debunks biological myths about female desire through interdisciplinary research. Martin’s approach blends evolutionary science with feminist cultural criticism.

Some scholars argue Martin oversimplifies complex sociobiological factors. Critics suggest she occasionally prioritizes provocative narratives over nuanced analysis of monogamy’s cultural variability.

1. Fluidity over fidelity: Women’s sexuality adapts to environmental and social conditions.
2. Evolutionary pragmatism: Promiscuity can be a survival strategy for women and offspring.
3. Cultural construct: Monogamy became dominant through agricultural societies’ property norms.

Martin advocates rethinking monogamy as a choice rather than biological imperative. She suggests couples communicate openly about needs ratherthan defaulting to rigid exclusivity models.

With a Yale PhD in cultural studies and anthropology, Martin uniquely blends academic rigor with accessible storytelling. Her prior work on stepfamilies (Stepmonster) and Manhattan motherhood (Primates of Park Avenue) informs Untrue’s focus on gendered social expectations.