Mate Selection: Videos & Practice Problems

Mate selection involves social norms, love, and attraction, with sociologists identifying endogamy (marrying within a social category) and exogamy (marrying outside it). Homogamy, marrying someone similar in class, race, or education, is common across cultures. Marriage structures include monogamy (two partners) and polygamy, which splits into polygyny (multiple wives) and polyandry (multiple husbands). These patterns reflect social stratification and cultural norms, influencing family dynamics and social mobility within societies.

Mate Selection

Mate selection is a complex process influenced by love, attraction, and social norms, which often operate subtly in shaping who individuals choose as partners. Sociologists categorize mate selection into two main types: endogamy and exogamy. Endogamy refers to marrying within one's social group or category, such as a middle-class person marrying another middle-class individual. In contrast, exogamy involves marrying outside one's social category, like a working-class person marrying someone from the upper class. Endogamy tends to be more prevalent in closed social systems where social hierarchy limits potential partners, whereas exogamy is more feasible in open social systems with greater social mobility.

Regardless of whether endogamy or exogamy is practiced, homogamy is commonly observed. Homogamy means marrying someone similar to oneself in key aspects such as social class, race, ethnicity, or educational level. This tendency arises because shared characteristics often foster compatibility and mutual understanding in relationships.

Marriage structures also vary, primarily between monogamy and polygamy. Monogamy, the union between two individuals, is the most widespread form globally and is especially common in high-income, industrialized societies. Polygamy, on the other hand, involves marriage to more than one person simultaneously and can be divided into two types: polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny is a marriage where one man has multiple wives, while polyandry is a marriage where one woman has multiple husbands. A useful way to remember the difference is by associating "andry" in polyandry with "androgen," a hormone more prevalent in males, indicating multiple men in the marriage.

Understanding these concepts of mate selection and marriage structures highlights how social norms and cultural contexts shape intimate relationships, reflecting broader societal organization and values.

Mate Selection Example 1

Mate selection often involves the concept of homogamy, which refers to choosing a partner who shares similar characteristics. Homogamy is more closely related to endogamy than exogamy. While endogamy involves marrying within the same social group or class, homogamy emphasizes similarity between partners, making it inherently aligned with endogamous practices.

Partnerships can exhibit homogamy in several ways. Common factors include similarity in race, educational level, and social class. These shared traits often create a sense of connection and understanding between partners. Other dimensions of homogamy might include shared religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or values, all of which contribute to compatibility.

People are generally drawn to more homogeneous partnerships because having common interests, values, and experiences fosters better communication and emotional bonding. This preference for similarity helps explain why homogamy is prevalent across different cultures, regardless of whether endogamy or exogamy is the dominant social norm.

Which of the following statements regarding polygamy are true?
I. Polyandry refers to a marriage with multiple husbands.
II. Polyandry is more common than polygyny.
III. Certain religions allow polygamy under the condition that the multiple partners are adequately provided for.

• A. I & II.
• B. I & III.
• C. II & III.
• D. I, II, & III.

Answer: (B)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the difference between endogamy and exogamy in mate selection?

Endogamy and exogamy are two key concepts in mate selection that describe the social categories within which people choose their partners. Endogamy refers to marrying within one's own social category, such as a middle-class person marrying another middle-class person. This practice is more common in closed social systems where social hierarchy limits potential partners. Exogamy, on the other hand, involves marrying outside one's social category, like a working-class person marrying someone from the upper class. Exogamy is more feasible in open social systems where social boundaries are less rigid. Both concepts highlight how social norms and structures influence mate selection beyond just personal attraction or love.

What is homogamy and why is it common in mate selection?

Homogamy is the tendency to marry someone who is similar to oneself in various aspects such as social class, race, ethnicity, or education level. It is common because people often prefer partners with whom they share common values, experiences, and social backgrounds, which can facilitate better understanding and compatibility. Homogamy occurs regardless of whether a society practices endogamy or exogamy, reflecting a universal pattern in mate selection. This similarity helps maintain social cohesion and can influence social mobility by reinforcing existing social structures.

What are the different marriage structures recognized by sociologists?

Sociologists recognize two main marriage structures: monogamy and polygamy. Monogamy is a marriage between two people and is the most common form worldwide, especially in high-income, industrialized societies. Polygamy involves marriage to more than two people and is divided into two types: polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny is a marriage where one man has multiple wives, while polyandry is a marriage where one woman has multiple husbands. These structures reflect cultural norms and social organization, influencing family dynamics and social roles within different societies.

How do social norms influence mate selection?

Social norms play a significant role in mate selection by shaping who individuals consider acceptable partners. These norms can dictate preferences based on class, race, ethnicity, religion, and other social categories. For example, norms may encourage endogamy, promoting marriage within the same social group, or allow for exogamy in more open societies. Social norms also influence the acceptance of different marriage structures, such as monogamy or polygamy. Even when individuals prioritize love and attraction, these social expectations often guide or limit their choices, reflecting broader societal values and maintaining social order.

Why is monogamy more common in high-income, industrialized nations?

Monogamy is more common in high-income, industrialized nations due to cultural, economic, and legal factors. These societies often emphasize individual rights, gender equality, and nuclear family structures, which align with monogamous relationships. Economic systems in these nations typically support smaller family units, making monogamy practical and socially preferred. Additionally, legal frameworks in many industrialized countries regulate marriage to be monogamous, reinforcing this norm. In contrast, polygamous marriages may be more prevalent in societies where extended family networks and different social or economic structures exist.