Hypergamy

Hypergamy (colloquially referred to as "marrying up") is a term used in social science for the act or practice of a person marrying a spouse of higher caste or social status than themselves. The term is often used in the context of marriage and family systems, and has been discussed extensively in the field of sociology.

History

The concept of hypergamy has been present in many societies throughout history. It is often associated with societies that have rigid social hierarchies, such as the Indian caste system. In these societies, hypergamy is often enforced by societal norms and expectations.

Sociological Perspectives

From a sociological perspective, hypergamy can be seen as a form of social mobility. It is one way in which individuals can improve their social status and access to resources. However, it can also reinforce existing social inequalities, as it often involves the transfer of wealth and power from lower-status to higher-status individuals.

Gender and Hypergamy

Hypergamy is often discussed in relation to gender. In many societies, women are more likely than men to "marry up". This is often attributed to traditional gender roles, which position men as the primary earners and women as dependent on men for financial support. However, this trend is changing in many societies as women gain greater access to education and employment.

Criticism

Critics of hypergamy argue that it reinforces gender inequality and limits individual choice. They argue that it perpetuates the idea that a person's worth is determined by their social status, rather than their individual qualities or achievements.

See Also

• Assortative mating
• Social mobility
• Sociology of the family