The archetype of the “fallen part-time wife” refers to a married woman who, despite maintaining domestic responsibilities and a semblance of commitment, gradually succumbs to an extramarital affair. Unlike the stereotypical serial adulterer, this figure often experiences deep internal conflict, rationalizing her betrayal as a response to emotional abandonment, unmet needs, or the gradual erosion of intimacy. This paper explores the psychological, relational, and social factors that contribute to her fall, using the lens of attachment theory, self-expansion theory, and moral disengagement.
The Fallen Part-Time Wife: Psychological Fractures and the Path to Infidelity The archetype of the “fallen part-time wife” refers
The term “part-time” does not imply less work but rather an emotional and temporal fragmentation. Modern marriages often involve dual careers, childcare, and financial management, leaving little space for genuine connection. The wife may feel like a manager rather than a partner. Over time, her husband becomes a roommate or co-parent. The “part-time” nature reflects how she experiences marriage: present in duty, absent in passion. The Fallen Part-Time Wife: Psychological Fractures and the