Untrue Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Untrue* by Wednesday Martin about?

*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.

Q: Is *Untrue* worth reading?

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.

Untrue

Wednesday Martin

3.87 (1458 Reviews)

Psychology

Society

Science

Relationship

Overview

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Author

FAQs

Untrue shatters myths about female sexuality, revealing women aren't naturally monogamous. Wednesday Martin's #1 NYT bestseller challenges evolutionary stereotypes with scientific evidence. What if everything society taught you about women's desires is wrong? Prepare for uncomfortable truths about gender, lust, and power.

What is Untrue by Wednesday Martin about?

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.

Who should read Untrue?

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.

Is Untrue worth reading?

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.

Does Untrue argue women are naturally non-monogamous?

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.

How does Untrue challenge stereotypes about female infidelity?

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.

What research does Wednesday Martin cite in Untrue?

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.

Does Untrue address racial disparities in infidelity perceptions?

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.

How does Untrue compare to other infidelity books like Mating in Captivity?

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.

What are criticisms of Untrue?

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

What are key takeaways from Untrue?

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

Does Untrue offer solutions for modern relationships?

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

How does Wednesday Martin’s background influence Untrue?

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.

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Key takeaways

The Myth of Female Monogamy Unraveled

00:00

For centuries, we've been told that men naturally seek multiple partners while women are wired for monogamy. This narrative has been the bedrock of everything from evolutionary psychology to religious doctrine. But what if this fundamental assumption is completely wrong? Recent research reveals a startling reality: women under 45 are now cheating at nearly equal rates to men, with some studies showing women aged 18-29 reporting more affairs than their male peers. Women are 40% more likely to cheat on their husbands than they were in 1990, while male infidelity rates remain unchanged. When researchers properly measure female desire, they find women report sexual desire levels identical to men's and are just as aroused by the idea of sex with strangers. Perhaps most surprisingly, long-term relationships appear to dampen female desire more severely than male desire. A 2017 study of over 11,000 British adults confirmed that women living with partners were twice as likely as cohabiting men to lose interest in sex. The predictability of marriage seems especially challenging for women's sexuality.

The Strategic Affairs of Modern Women

The Invisible Chains of Female Sexuality

When Women Became Property

What Our Bodies Reveal About Female Sexuality

The Himba Challenge to Western Norms

Reimagining Relationships Beyond Monogamy

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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