CULTURAL EXOGAMY Meaning and
Definition
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Cultural exogamy is a term that refers to a practice or custom within a society where individuals are encouraged or expected to marry or form relationships with partners from outside their own cultural or ethnic group. The concept of exogamy stems from the Greek words "exo" meaning outside and "gamos" meaning marriage.
Cultural exogamy is often seen as a way to promote diversity, social integration, and the exchange of ideas between different cultures. It is viewed as a counterbalance to endogamy, which is the practice of marrying within one's own cultural or ethnic group. By encouraging cultural exogamy, societies aim to expand their networks and foster relationships beyond their immediate community, resulting in a broader understanding and acceptance of different cultures.
The practice of cultural exogamy can be influenced by various factors, such as religious beliefs, social norms, economic considerations, migration patterns, and historical traditions. In some cases, cultural exogamy is actively encouraged through policies or laws. This may be done to promote social cohesion, reduce ethnic or cultural tensions, or for strategic alliances between different groups.
Cultural exogamy can lead to the blending and sharing of cultural practices, traditions, and values between different groups. This can result in the formation of new cultural identities or the enrichment of existing ones. However, cultural exogamy does not necessarily imply a loss of cultural identity. Individuals and communities engaging in cultural exogamy can still retain their distinct cultural heritage while also embracing elements from other cultures.
Etymology of CULTURAL EXOGAMY
The term "cultural exogamy" is derived from two distinct words: "cultural" and "exogamy".
1. "Cultural": The word "cultural" originates from the Latin word "cultura", which means "cultivation" or "growing". It evolved in the mid-19th century and is closely related to the idea of nurturing and developing societies or groups of people.
2. "Exogamy": The term "exogamy" has its roots in the Greek language. It is a combination of the prefix "exo", meaning "outside" or "external", and the suffix "-gamos", which denotes "marriage" or "union". Exogamy specifically refers to the custom or practice of seeking a marital partner from outside one's own social group or community.
