Endogamy in the U nited S tates

Abstract

Endogamy is the practice of marrying within one's group in regard to race or ethnicity, education, religion, caste, a certain range of kin, geographic location, or other characteristics. The practice of endogamy in various forms occurs in many places in the world; however, this entry will focus on endogamy primarily in the United States. Although endogamy has previously governed mate selection in the United States, scholars find that the overall practice of endogamy has declined.