Endogamous marriage

Definition

Endogamous marriage is a union in which partners are chosen from within a specific social group, class, or ethnicity to maintain cultural homogeneity and reinforce social boundaries. It often reflects and perpetuates existing social stratifications.

Related terms

Social Stratification:

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals into divisions of power and wealth within a society.

Ethnocentrism:

The belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, often seen as a justification for endogamous practices.

Caste System:

A form of social stratification characterized by hereditary transmission of lifestyle, occupation, and social status