Endogamy

Endogamy, term applied to the customs prevailing in certain societies whereby a member of a community, tribe, clan, or other social unit marries within the group. In some groups, members are forbidden to marry a member of a different social unit.

Endogamic practices are common in societies in which organization is stratified. These practices may be based on caste, as among Hindus in India; on genealogical descent, as among European royalty; on occupation, as among the Maasai of East Africa; on age group, as among Australian Aborigines; or on economic and social status, as among the classes of many nations. The most restricted form of endogamy was that practised by certain rulers of ancient Egypt, who were expected to maintain the “purity” of the royal blood by mating only with their siblings. Authorities differ as to the suitability of endogamy as a device for the preservation of allegedly “superior” or aristocratic bloodlines. Some assert that inbreeding is likely to cause a degeneration of the genetic stock; others, however, contend that hereditary defects introduced through marriage outside the group are more likely to cause deterioration. Another argument advanced by many scientists against endogamy, especially where it is practised for the purpose of preserving “racial purity”, states that intermarriage among different ethnic groups has often produced individuals who combine the strongest elements of the two parent groups and are intrinsically “superior” to both. Endogamy may also refer to the custom of marrying within a religion or community. Compare Exogamy.