Double standard

The term "double standard" refers to the sexual morals of the 17th Century.

For members of the upper class society, it was common to have a wife, but beside that also one or several mistresses. Marriage was official and could be presented to the other members of society. Upper class marriages in the 17th Century were also often a matter of wealth, status or heritage/succession and did not happen out of love. Due to this, a lot of men did have mistresses from the lower class for pleasure.

With regard to sex, it was expected of women to be virginal and chaste, while it was common for the men to have a lot of experience due to them having mistresses.

Sources

http://www.socialpc.com/SocialIssues/Love-And-Marriage-In-The-18th-Century.html

http://historicalfictionauthorinterviews.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

Lecture: Restoration Culture SS09, Session 7: Gender, Family, Marriage, Annete Pankratz