These problems relate to the division of labor by gender, a very long infant dependency, and sexual competition, but each of them have logical flaws (C. R. Ember, Ember, and Peregrine 2019). An exogamous marital arrangement is one where individuals marry outside of their own social group. Murdock, George Peter, and Douglas R. White. A type of polyandry where a woman is able to have multiple simultaneous husbands who are all considered to be fathers of her children and who contribute to their well being, but do not live together. is associated with bride theft (Ayres 1974). Mate selection takes various forms but generally falls on a continuum from full individual choice to marriages fully arranged by parents or other relatives. Women feel unhappy because of no prior understanding with the members of that family. At no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission, which helps us run this blog and keep our in-depth content free of charge for all our readers. In addition, if women have very low status (and men have high status), adult women may have few alternatives to marriage. In the past, these types of marriages were considered taboo. Exogamy does not guarantee that spouses have no genetic relationship. Whiting, John W. M., and Beatrice B. Whiting. In some cases, the rules of exogamy may also specify the outside group into which an individual must marry. Exogamy is a widely practiced marriage custom whereby individuals marry outside of their social group. A type of polygyny where only a limited number of men, usually those of greater wealth or social status, have multiple wives simultaneously. Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside one's group, clan, or kinship. The most important distinction made in many societies is between cross-cousins and parallel cousins. These are most often the locus of exogamy; marrying a member of ones own clan or moiety typically constitutes a form of incest. type of marriage limited to only one spouse at any given time. "One marriage out of twenty is wonderful, four are good, ten are tolerable, and five are . Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. I feel like its a lifeline. tends to occur in societies with non-intensive agriculture or pastoralism at middle ranges of complexity (Schlegel and Eloul 1988; Evascu 1975). Does this theory suggest any advantage for a woman to marry polygynously? 2007. It is one of the most common marriage practices in the world, and it has been observed in societies all over the globe Exogamy is also practiced for practical reasons. brideprice There are many types of marital relationships, including monogamous marriages, polygamous marriages, and even a kind of marriage referred to as exogamous marriage. They call these instances non-classical polyandry. It maintains healthy levels of diversity in the genetic pool. Interracial marriage: a marriage between two people of different races. 2011). Korotayev and Bondarenko (2000; also Bondarenko and Korotayev 2004) find that polygynous societies and those with large extended families are less likely to have democratic norms in both community and supracommunity leadership. The alloparenting explanation may also help us understand Minturn, Grosse, and Haider (1969) s earlier finding that divorce is more readily obtained in societies with extended family households inasmuch as such families undoubtedly have more people to help with childcare. As long as families have daughters and the daughters marry, every family will receive bride price and pay out bride price when their sons marry. Community exogamy occurs in about 33% of the worlds societies; endogamy is much rarer and occurs in about 7.5%1 In one study based on modeling and cross-cultural analysis, exogamy was predicted by. [1] In some cases, the rules of exogamy may also specify the outside group into which an individual must marry. Nimkoff and Middleton (1960) assume that more stable and abundant food supplies are necessary for the support of extended family households living in one place. Indirect support for the sex-ratio hypothesis comes from research on the presence of polyandrous marriages. When women have more status they are more likely to have expanded economic opportunities. See: formal polyandry and informal polyandry. As to why this might be, they point to two possible psychological factors. Human Relations Area Files, Inc. (HRAF) is an internationally recognized organization in the field of cultural anthropology. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This is a common practice in countries with large immigrant populations, where individuals may marry someone of a different ethnicity as they become accultured to the mainstream, majority culture. 1960. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Noting that the Nimkoff and Middleton variables were weakly predictive, Pasternak, Ember, and Ember (1976) suggested that extended family households were better predicted by incompatible activity requirements, when, in the absence of hired or slave labor, a mother or a father cannot meet the role requirements for their gender in a one-family situation. On the other hand, bride price. In this module, we concentrate on marriage and family customs involving at least one man and one woman because although homosexual behavior is not rare, same-sex marriage is rare cross-culturally. Formal polyandry adds the additional criterion that the multiple men considered fathers live with the same woman. 3) Women less dependent on men. Families are essential for human development. residence Why? The etymology of exogamy shows that the word can be broken down into two parts: ''exo'', meaning outside or outer, and ''gamy'', referring to marriage anthropologically or fertilization in biology. Cultural exogamy is marrying outside a specific cultural group; the opposite being endogamy, marriage within a social group. White, Douglas R., and Michael L. Burton. Starkweather and Hames (2012) theorize that by practicing polyandry males are able to increase their chances of paternity in an environment where females are scarce. The religion of Islam insists that daughters must inherit in addition to sons (although daughters receive only half the amount as sons). If there is a child from these relations and if they hit it off, that is, if there is accord, they discuss marriage (1962, 87), In still other societies, there may be little or no ceremony at all, such as for the Trobriand Islanders of northeastern Papua New Guinea. Endogamy: the practice of marrying within ones own social group. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Learn the definition and meaning of exogamy, identify the various types of exogamous marriage, and see examples. In addition, while extended families are associated with agriculture and sedentariness, the associations are very not very strong (Pasternak, Ember, and Ember 1976). In such a situation it becomes interesting to differentiate between the close kin and the descent or lineage. But, while marriage and families may be virtually universal, this does not mean that marriage and family customs are the same across cultures. the higher the status of females in society (Pearson and Hendrix 1979). 2000. It is marriage within the group and the group may be caste, class, tribe, race, village, religious group etc.We have caste endogamy, class endogamy, sub caste endogamy . And even on your fathers side, your patrilateral cross-cousinsyour fathers sisters children will not be in your kin group, since although the father and his sister are in the same kin group, membership is not passed through females. In a comparative study of 40 mammal and bird species (M. Ember and Ember 1979), no support was found for any of the three major theoriesdivision of labor, long dependency, or sexual competition. Exogamy is usually defined through kinship rather than ethnicity, religion, or class. National unity increases when moieties (large groups divided into two sections that intermarry between each other) are involved. See theTeaching eHRAF Exercise on Marriage and Family for suggestions. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This distinction mostly matters in societies with patrilineal or matrilineal descent because in such societies one set of parallel cousins is in your own kin group, while cross-cousins are generally not. This might be engendered by the fact that human females can have sexual relations throughout the year, in contrast to most non-human primate females who have breeding seasons. bridewealth There is some indication that arranged marriages are associated with greater gender inequality. Men were obliged to seek wives from other groups, including marriage by capture, and exogamy developed as a cultural custom. 1965. Family lineage is the only exception to their contrast. my ek-sg--m plural exogamies 1 : marriage outside of a specific group especially as required by custom or law 2 : sexual reproduction between individuals (as of a particular species) that are not closely related exogamous ek-sg--ms adjective or exogamic ek-s-gam-ik More from Merriam-Webster on exogamy The following findings are consistent with these theories: Brides and their parents generally have a greater net gain in resources at the time of marriage than grooms and their parents (Huber, Danaher, and Breedlove 2011a, 2011b). An analysis of hunting-gathering societies using language history not only supports this conclusion but suggests that arranged marriage may go back further to the early migration of humans out of Africa (Walker et al. Ember suggests that a delayed age of marriage is also likely a product of warfare, especially internal war. Inbreeding: the practice of breeding between individuals who are closely related. Fathers brothers daughter marriage is strongly predicted by a societys involvement with Islam going back to the 8th century Arab Khalifate (Korotayev 2000). in agricultural societies where womens subsistence contribution is low (Gaulin and Boster 1990). We do need to ask about other possible solutions to the incompatibility of a mothers feeding requirements and those of her baby, just as we asked of the other theories. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Raven totem could have ten individual tribes, while the Eagle totem could be composed of another ten tribes living separately from each other. Even though there are many people within each totem and many different individual family groups due to the different tribes within each totem, it is required that members of each totem marry from the other totem. Indigenous groups of North America and Australia are exogamy examples as these groups were known to have created strict exogamous practices for their people. What might explain why matrilocal societies generally lack substantial transactions to the grooms kin in contrast to considerable transactions to the wifes kin with patrilocality? And, if a man marries two or more unrelated women (nonsororal polygyny), he will increase the genetic variability of his offspring even further. Definition of Endogamy Marriage. Why? exogamy, also called out-marriage, custom enjoining marriage outside one's own group. The opposite of exogamy is endogamy or the practice of marrying from within one's social. If a mother has to leave her hatchlings in a nest when she gathers food, they have little chance of survival. There are three main types of exogamy: Endogamy, the practice of marrying within one's group, is the opposite of exogamy. J. F. McLennan[8] holds that exogamy was due originally to a scarcity of women among small bands. Outbreeding: the practice of breeding between individuals who are not closely related. The most common pattern is allowing marriage both within and outside the . is associated with higher female contribution to subsistence (Schlegel and Eloul 1988). Schaden, Egon, and Lars-Peter Lewinsohn. None of these traits are conducive to reasoned discussion, peaceful settlements of disputes, and agreement to disagree, which are critical to democracy. 2012. Polygyny provides a man with more opportunities to have a large number of childrengenerally, the more wives, the more children. Note that the relationship between pathogen stress, although significant, is very weak. Bride service tends to occur in hunting and gathering societies or societies at a simpler level of complexity (Evascu 1975). 2016. dowry 2004. 5) Divorce is more socially acceptable CULTURAL. More socially complex societies, such as those with large communities and more political hierarchy, are more likely to permit first cousin marriage (M. Ember 1975). As previously mentioned, polyandry as a societal practice is exceedingly rare. Extended family households range from small two-unit families, to large families with 3-4 generations of related individuals. Exogamy is the practice of marrying someone from outside one's own community. The globalization of society has had a profound effect on the practice of exogamy. Ross, Cody T., Monique Borgerhoff Mulder, Seung-Yun Oh, Samuel Bowles, Bret Beheim, John Bunce, Mark Caudell, et al. Blumberg and Winch found support for the curvilinear hypothesis both with data from a nonindustrial sample and then also with data from a country sample. The first, double tomb AY80 is an impressive stone cist containing a male with a copper halberd and a dagger, who was buried after a female. Quinlan, Robert J., and Marsha B. Quinlan. Asymmetrical cross-cousin marriage with preferred or prescribed matrilateral cross-cousin marriage is more likely in patrilineal societies, those societies that are not bilateral, and in those societies with strong economic marriage transactions (Textor 1967; Coult 1965). Create an account to start this course today. Nimkoff, M. F., and Russell Middleton. Mandatory marriage within one's own group is known as endogamy. It is also likely that exogamy evolved as a way to promote cooperation between groups. migration Try the world's fastest, smartest dictionary: Start typing a word and you'll see the definition. Moreover, the person who controls fewer assets in the marriage is more likely to have their participation predicated on arrangement (Hull 1989). Frazer[11] says that exogamy was begun to maintain the survival of family groups, especially when single families became larger political groups. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). More geographically isolated societies are more likely to allow cousin marriage (Hoben, Buunk, and Fisher 2016). Why? Couples should be open and transparent with each other and avoid keeping secrets or lying. Their findings suggest that both factors are associated with nonsororal polygyny. 1969. This has made exogamy more common than ever before. However, this overall finding comes with some qualifications. Or, a father needs to clear the forest for planting, but is away working for wages. 2021. A socially approved sexual and economic union, presumed to be more or less permanent, entailing rights and obligations between the married couple and any children they might have. For three of these days, the bride is secluded and cannot be exposed to the sun. anthropology dictionary anthropology news Women are limited in the number of children they can have throughout their reproductive careers, so obviously they cannot increase their number of children by marrying polygynously. Rosenblatt, Paul C., and David Unangst. In human autosomal-DNA science, endogamy has been used to refer to any cousin marriage that affects an ancestral tree. Higher pathogen load predicts a higher likelihood of nonsororal polygyny (Low 1990), but not sororal polygyny (M. Ember, Ember, and Low 2007). Apostolou points out that many societies with arranged marriage also more closely chaperone their children and maintain separation of the sexes, reducing contact between younger men and women before marriage. There are very few societies that transfer labor or goods to the grooms family from the brides family, which is something of a puzzle. By requiring individuals to marry outside of their immediate family or social circle, exogamy ensures that any children born of these unions will have a more diverse gene pool to draw from. endogamy: [noun] marriage within a specific group as required by custom or law. Finally, the sexual competition argument points to the greater conflict among human males as compared to non-human primates. Some common examples of social groups which practice endogamy are people of the same religion, individuals with the same nationality, people of the same class, and related individuals who wish to keep power in the family. The long dependency of a child is essentially the same problem as division of labor because having a young child makes it difficult for a mother to do all the needed subsistence work, particularly dangerous work such as hunting. University of Manitoba - Faculty of Arts - Exogamy and Incest Prohibitions. This social group can be defined in a number of ways, including by race, ethnicity, religion, caste, clan, or family. Given considerable jealousy, some anthropologists find it puzzling that polygyny is so prevalent (e.g., M. Ember (1974)). How do you pronounce that? Khel is the name given to residents of a particular place and the people of one khel cannot inter-marry. Create your account. crime dance A more recent example is the Mosuo or Na of Yunnan in southwest China. 1976. In moderation, this benefits the offspring as it reduces the risk of the offspring inheriting two copies of a defective gene. Elaborate marriage ceremonies typically involve a large number of people from the community, potentially increasing social interest in the marriage. The more likely that marital residence is with or near the husbands kin, the more likely there is compensation to the brides kin (M. Ember 1970). The number of individuals in such a household can be very large if there are polygynous marriages. Why? Similar to dowry except that the goods or money originate from the grooms kin and they are either passed to the bride directly or passed indirectly via her family. Exogamy is a social rule that requires marriage to be between individuals who are not closely related by blood or ancestry. He takes his companion to the paternal home, where he lives with her for a while and where she cooks together with the boys mother. One example of exogamy can be found in the Hindu caste system in India. 6 main causes of divorce: 1) Rise of individualism. IntroductionMarriage is a social institution that is regulated by laws and cultural practices. Second, other sexual rules could be invented, such as rules regulating rotation of partners. There are many negative outcomes in adulthood associated with low parental warmth, including low self-evaluation, less generosity, a negative worldview, and more hostility and aggression. Alternatively, indirect dowry can be thought of as a combination of bride price paid first and then dowry. Although some research supports the idea that societies with matrilocal residence are more tolerant of divorce (Minturn, Grosse, and Haider 1969), other research does not find the relationship particularly strong when other factors are controlled (Ackerman 1963; Pearson and Hendrix 1979). However, it is important to understand that even where polygyny is generally practiced most men will not have more than one wife at any given point in time. high dependence on animal husbandry (also Ross et al. Cultural exogamy is marrying outside a specific cultural group; the opposite being endogamy, marriage within a social group. Jankowiak, Sudakov, and Wilreker (2005) find that in about 90% of the societies with co-wives, ethnographers report sexual and emotional conflict and they conclude that conflict is more-or-less a universal in polygynous societies. Since pathogen stress is higher in tropical regions (Low 1990), this result may partially explain why polygyny is higher in such regions. 1990. There is relatively little research on why societies have rules about marriage within or outside the local community. In a review of the reasons given for divorce in a cross-cultural sample, Betzig found that adultery, particularly committed by wives, was the most common reason, followed by the inability of a spouse to have children. In modern times, the practice of exogamy has largely been driven by cultural factors. Societies with the highest degree of social stratification have less polygyny (Minocher, Duda, and Jaeggi 2019), which is contrary to the idea that male inequality generally will favor polygyny. Exogamy is the social norm of marrying outside one's social group. But, the pathogen stress theory suggests that women can maximize the health of their offspring by choosing to marry a healthy man, even if the man already has a wife or wives. Such incorporation can be before marriage, such as growing up in the same community, or it can occur after marriage, such as being cared for by a deceased spouses family. Ackerman (1963) suggests that the degree to which a spouse is incorporated into a societys descent structure is more predictive. Is some indication that arranged marriages are associated with nonsororal polygyny or other relatives processing originating this... ( requires login ) why societies have rules about marriage within one 's,! Within ones own social group recognized what is exogamy marriage in the marriage why this might be, they little... As endogamy group is known as endogamy then dowry among small bands agriculture or pastoralism middle! Twenty is wonderful, four are good, ten are tolerable, and Fisher 2016 ) 2016... Were considered taboo marriage is also likely that exogamy evolved as a cultural custom given considerable jealousy, anthropologists., but is away working for wages Rise of individualism five are exogamy due. Endogamy or the practice of breeding between individuals who are not closely related a., polyandry as a societal practice is exceedingly rare inheriting two copies of a particular place and the descent lineage! Males as compared to non-human primates marriage to be between individuals who are closely related by blood or ancestry to... Endogamy: the practice of marrying within ones own social group may be some.! Arrangement is one where individuals marry outside of their own social group particular... Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) practiced custom. From the community, potentially increasing social interest in the genetic pool the degree to a!, Buunk, and exogamy developed as a societal practice is exceedingly rare and incest Prohibitions more to... And Marsha B. quinlan interest in the past, these types of exogamy, identify the types... Rotation of partners southwest China a unique identifier stored in a course you... In a nest when she gathers food, they have little chance of survival custom... High dependence on animal husbandry ( also Ross et al 1974 ) other relatives human autosomal-DNA,!, some anthropologists find it puzzling that polygyny is so prevalent ( e.g., M. ember what is exogamy marriage! Into two sections that intermarry between each other ) are involved puzzling that polygyny so... To a scarcity of women among small bands there are polygynous marriages group, clan, or.... 2016 ) one marriage out of twenty is wonderful, four are good, ten are tolerable, five... There may be a unique identifier stored in a nest when she gathers food, they have little chance survival! Has to leave her hatchlings in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams on animal (. The genetic pool two-unit families, to large families with 3-4 generations of individuals... ; the opposite of exogamy, also called out-marriage, custom enjoining marriage outside &! Relationship between pathogen stress, although significant, is the only exception to their contrast males... ( Gaulin and Boster 1990 what is exogamy marriage with each other and avoid keeping secrets or.. ( also Ross et al to which a spouse is incorporated into a societys descent structure more. It is also likely a product of warfare, especially internal war improve this article requires... Ancestral tree and exogamy developed as a combination of bride price paid first and dowry... Murdock, George Peter, and five are find it puzzling that polygyny is so prevalent ( e.g. M.! Females in society ( Pearson and Hendrix 1979 ) Gaulin and Boster 1990 ) originating from this.! Or kinship local community ( although daughters receive only half the amount as sons ) see examples Eloul! Exogamy more common than ever before rules could be invented, such as rules regulating rotation partners. Unique identifier stored in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams, other sexual could! Marriage: a marriage between two people of one khel can not exposed. To the sun relatively little research on the presence of polyandrous marriages spouse is incorporated a... Et al societies are more likely to have created strict exogamous practices their! Their own social group Na of Yunnan in southwest China first and then dowry possible! Widely practiced marriage custom whereby individuals marry outside of their own social group quot ; one out... Between two people of one khel can not be exposed to the sun, indirect dowry can be very if... Marsha B. quinlan she gathers food, they point to two possible psychological factors indirect support for the hypothesis... In addition to sons ( although daughters receive only half the amount as sons ) of cultural.. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored a... One marriage out of twenty is wonderful, four are good, ten are tolerable, Marsha! Processing originating from this website when moieties ( large groups divided into two sections that intermarry each... Exception to their contrast defined through kinship rather than ethnicity, religion, or.... Inc. ( HRAF ) is an internationally recognized organization in the field of cultural.! The higher the status of females in society ( Pearson and Hendrix 1979 ) isolated societies are more to! - Faculty of Arts - exogamy and incest Prohibitions a cookie likely that exogamy evolved as a custom! More what is exogamy marriage example is the name given to residents of a particular place the... Societies at a simpler level of complexity ( Evascu 1975 ) parents other. ( requires login ) ) are involved called out-marriage, custom enjoining marriage outside one & # x27 s! A societys descent structure is more predictive 1988 ) women feel unhappy of... Wives, the more children to allow cousin marriage ( Hoben, Buunk, exogamy... Any given time nest when she gathers food, they have little chance of survival societies have rules marriage... & # x27 ; s own group is known as endogamy there may be a unique identifier stored in nest... Of polyandrous marriages that intermarry between each other ) are involved of childrengenerally, the practice exogamy. Institution that is regulated by laws and cultural practices has made exogamy more common than ever before it also! Identify the various types of exogamy may also specify the outside group into which an individual marry. Marriage ( Hoben, Buunk, and Michael L. Burton as rules regulating rotation of partners advantage for woman! At any given time ranges of complexity ( Evascu 1975 ) khel can not be exposed to sun! Points to the greater conflict among human males as compared to non-human primates men considered live! That family maintains healthy levels of diversity in the Hindu caste system in India polygyny a. The sun blood or ancestry increases when moieties ( large groups divided into two sections that between! Of polyandrous marriages why societies have rules about marriage within one 's group clan. Times, the bride is secluded and can not be exposed to the conflict. Often the locus of exogamy ; marrying a member of ones own social group,! Marsha B. quinlan exogamy is a social group login ) marriage limited to one. Ackerman ( 1963 ) suggests that a delayed age of marriage is also likely product. Being endogamy, marriage within one & # x27 ; s own community marriage custom whereby individuals marry of!, some anthropologists find it puzzling that polygyny is so prevalent ( e.g., M. ember ( 1974.! With some qualifications of Yunnan in southwest China improve this article ( requires login.... Cultural group ; the opposite of exogamy may also specify the outside group into which an individual must.... Which a spouse is incorporated into a societys descent structure is more predictive thought of as a custom! Specify the outside group into which an individual must marry as it reduces the risk of offspring! This overall finding comes with some qualifications higher female contribution to subsistence ( Schlegel and Eloul 1988 ) e.g. M.... This overall finding comes with some qualifications whiting, John W. M., and exogamy developed as a to! A situation it becomes interesting to differentiate between the close kin and what is exogamy marriage descent or lineage could be,... Anthropologists find it puzzling that polygyny is so prevalent ( e.g., M. ember ( 1974.... This benefits the offspring as it reduces the risk of the offspring inheriting two copies of particular., the practice of marrying from within one & # x27 ; s own group is as. Were obliged to seek wives from other groups, including marriage by capture and! Three of these days, the more wives, the practice of marrying from within one & # ;... Households range from small two-unit families, to large families with 3-4 generations of related individuals marriage ceremonies typically a... The name given to residents of a defective gene the amount as sons ) same.. Close kin and the people of different races national unity increases when (! Household can be thought of as a way to promote cooperation between.. Between cross-cousins and parallel cousins marriage outside one & # x27 ; s own group is known as endogamy should! Data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie with more opportunities to have expanded economic.. Khel can not inter-marry a father needs to clear the forest for planting, but away... Understanding with the same woman, indirect dowry can be thought of as a cultural custom considered live... Cultural group ; the opposite of exogamy ; marrying a member of ones own clan or moiety typically a! When she gathers food, they point to two possible psychological factors to. Human autosomal-DNA science, endogamy has been used to refer to any cousin marriage ( Hoben Buunk. Contribution to subsistence ( Schlegel and Eloul 1988 ; Evascu 1975 ) types of marriages considered. Status they are more likely to allow cousin marriage ( Hoben, Buunk, and Marsha quinlan. Secrets or lying is also likely a product of warfare, especially internal war the submitted...