According to the rule of marriage or field of selection, there are two types of marriage viz.
Endogamous: A marriage in which an individual follows the rule of endogamy and marries within a specified or defined group of which he or she is a member. The endogamous groups specifically refer to varna, caste and subcaste. They also include religious and national affiliation. Notable examples of endogamous religious groups in India are Parsis.
Reasons behind the origin or prevalence of rule of endogamy:
The rule of endogamy was followed in early society and is still being practiced since:
It encourages group affiliation and bonding;
It encourages or maintains the group solidarity and ensures greater control over group resources;
It serves as a form of self-segregation, that is: it helps a community to resist integrating and completely merging with surrounding populations. It helps minorities to survive as distinct communities over a long time, in societies with other practices and beliefs;
It makes marital and family adjustment easier due to the familiarity with caste’s values and norms;
It checks decrease in the membership or strength of the castes.
Reasons behind decline in prevalence of rule of endogamy: Endogamy is losing its functionality in present Indian society as:
Education has liberated the minds of people and they evaluate a person on the basis of individual traits and values rather than caste and believe in national and global solidarity.
In the highly competitive and progressive world, individuals are finding it very difficult to find a marriage partner exclusively from their endogamous group.
Good numbers of individuals are going for love marriage in which the rule of endogamy does not prevail.
Exogamous: A marriage in which an individual follows the rule of exogamy and marries outside the gotra and sapinda relationships.
Reasons behind the origin or prevalence of rule of exogamy: The rule of exogamy was followed in early society due to the following probable reasons:
Scarcity of women within certain exogamous group;
Prevent early sexual promiscuity within the clan;
Clan blood was regarded sacred and to spare the sacredness of the totem, one had to refrain from its appropriation for sexual purpose.
Reasons behind decline in prevalence of rule of exogamy: The reasons for decline in the functionality of rule of exogamy in present India are the same as for in case of endogamy.
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