Hypergamy is the practice of marrying or dating someone who is of a higher social status, wealth, or education than oneself. It can also refer to the tendency for women to marry men who are more successful or secure than they are.
Explanation
- It can be based on social class, wealth, or education.
- It can be a way to increase social status, reputation, or self-worth.
- It can be a way to achieve financial security.
- It can be a patriarchal construct.
- The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which is marrying someone of a lower social class.
- Hypergamy is a social science term.
- It can be a conscious or subconscious choice.
Examples
- Fictional examples: Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big in Sex and the City, Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl
- Real-life examples: Gisele Bundchen and her jiu-jitsu instructor
History
- Hypergamy can be traced back to Hindu society and is at least 3,000 years old.
- It was more common when women had little education and weren't able to work.
