Discuss how culture shapes the choice of a marital partner? define the concepts of endogamy and exogamy

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Most people's choice of a marriage partner is shaped by cultural rules pertaining to

endogamy and exogamy. Endogamy is the practice of marrying within one's own

group? that is, people with similar characteristics who are also within close proximity. In

the United States, people tend to practice homogamy, which is the practice of marrying

those who have similar characteristics, such as race/ethnicity, religious background,

age, education, and/or social ties. Homogamy is similar to endogamy, but individuals do

not necessarily come from the same village or community. Various reasons explain why

endogamy and homogamy are so prevalent. One reason may be the proximity of

other individuals in one's own group contrasted with those who are geographically

separated from it. Another reason may be that a person's marriage choice is often

influenced by the opinions of parents, friends, and other people with whom the person

associates. Although endogamy or homogamy is the strongest marital pattern in the

United States, exogamy is increasing. Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside

one's own social group or category. Depending on the circumstances, exogamy may

not be noticed at all, or it may result in a person being ridiculed or ostracized by other

members of the ingroup. The three most important sources of positive or negative

sanctions for intermarriage are the family, the church, and the state. Educational

attainment is also a strong indicator of marital choices. Higher education emphasizes

individual achievement, and college-educated people may be less likely than others to

identify themselves with their social or cultural roots and thus more willing to marry

outside their own social group or category if their potential partner shares a similar

level of educational attainment.