Exogamy

Definition

Exogamy is the cultural practice of marrying outside of one's own social group or kinship network. It is a fundamental concept in anthropology that is closely tied to the study of kinship, marriage, and cultural diversity across societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Exogamy is believed to promote genetic diversity and social cohesion between different groups within a society.
2. Exogamous marriage patterns are often associated with the avoidance of incest and the prevention of inbreeding.
3. Exogamy can take different forms, such as clan exogamy, where individuals must marry outside their clan, or village exogamy, where individuals must marry outside their village.
4. The practice of exogamy can have significant implications for kinship structures, descent systems, and the distribution of resources and power within a society.
5. Exogamy is a key concept in the study of applied medical anthropology, as it can influence the spread of genetic disorders and the transmission of infectious diseases within a population.

Review Questions

• Explain how the practice of exogamy is related to the concept of kinship in a given culture.
  • Exogamy, the practice of marrying outside one's own social group, is closely tied to the study of kinship systems. Kinship structures the social relationships and obligations within a society, and exogamous marriage patterns can influence the way kinship is reckoned and how it shapes the distribution of resources, power, and social status. For example, in societies that practice clan exogamy, individuals must marry outside their clan, which can lead to the formation of new kinship ties and the integration of different social groups. Understanding the relationship between exogamy and kinship is crucial for anthropologists studying the cultural diversity of marriage and family structures across societies.
• Describe how the practice of exogamy can have implications for applied medical anthropology.
  • The practice of exogamy, where individuals marry outside their own social group, can have significant implications for applied medical anthropology. Exogamous marriage patterns can influence the spread of genetic disorders and the transmission of infectious diseases within a population. By marrying outside their immediate kinship network, individuals may be exposed to new gene pools and pathogens, which can both positively and negatively impact the health of the community. Anthropologists studying the medical implications of exogamy may investigate how this practice affects the epidemiology of certain diseases, the distribution of genetic traits, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. Understanding the cultural context of exogamy is essential for developing culturally appropriate and effective medical strategies in diverse societies.
• Analyze how the practice of exogamy may contribute to the 'winkiness of culture' and the diversity of marriage and family structures across cultures.
  • The practice of exogamy, where individuals must marry outside their own social group, can be seen as a key factor contributing to the 'winkiness of culture' - the idea that cultural practices and social structures are often complex, nuanced, and difficult to fully understand from an outsider's perspective. By requiring marriage outside one's immediate kinship network, exogamy can lead to the creation of new social ties, the blending of cultural traditions, and the emergence of diverse family structures. This diversity is a hallmark of the 'winkiness of culture,' as anthropologists must carefully examine the local context and historical factors that shape these marriage patterns and their implications for kinship, descent, and the distribution of resources and power within a society. Analyzing the practice of exogamy can provide valuable insights into the complex and dynamic nature of cultural systems and the ways in which they adapt and evolve over time.

Related terms

Endogamy: The practice of marrying within one's own social group or kinship network, in contrast to exogamy.

Kinship: The system of social relationships based on blood, marriage, and adoption that structures social organization in a given culture.

Hypergamy: The practice of marrying up in social status, often seen in societies with strict class or caste systems.