Define exogamy rules and endogamy rules and discuss the cultural implications of each.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In most societies, mate selection is governed by both exogamy and endogamy rules. Exogamy rules require that mates must be chosen from outside the group. Most societies have either formal or informal rules prohibiting mating with specified family members, often referred to as the "incest taboo," but there are differences across cultures about which family members are prohibited. Endogamy rules, on the other hand, require that mates should be selected from within the group on characteristics such as religion, race and ethnicity, and social class. In the United States and other Western societies, mate selection is a culmination of romantic love, and it is often assumed that there is one true love in the world for each one of us. In many Eastern societies, marriages are arranged, and it is generally assumed that there are several possible mates with whom one can establish a successful long-term relationship. It is also assumed that parents will make wiser decisions than young people would make for themselves. In countries like Japan, however, love marriages are beginning to replace arranged marriages