hypergamy
Americannoun
noun
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anthropol a custom that forbids a woman to marry a man of lower social status
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any marriage with a partner of higher social status
Usage
What does hypergamy mean? Hypergamy is the practice of marrying above one's social status or class (i.e., "marrying up"). What are some other words related to hypergamy?
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hypergamy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Sanādhyas themselves have two divisions, the Sārhe-tīn ghar and Dasghar, or Three-and-a-half houses and Ten houses, of whom the former are superior, and practise hypergamy with the latter.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell
The Kanaujia Brāhmans of the Central Provinces practise hypergamy, as described in the general article on Brāhman.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell
The custom of hypergamy prevails somewhat largely in northern India between different subcastes, groups of different social status in the same subcaste, and occasionally even between different castes.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell
Possibly the Barki Rautias formerly practised hypergamy with the Majhli, taking daughters in marriage but not giving daughters, and in course of time this has led to the obliteration of the distinction between them.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell
The Dāngis have no subcastes distinguished by separate names, but they are divided into three classes, among whom the principle of hypergamy prevails.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell
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