Exogamic

Exogamic is an adjective describing practices, systems, or norms that involve exogamy—the social rule or norm of marrying outside a defined group such as a clan, lineage, moiety, village, or caste. The term is used in anthropology and sociology to describe marriage arrangements that require or encourage unions beyond one’s own group.

Exogamic arrangements contrast with endogamy, which restricts marriage to within a specific group. In exogamic systems, marriage links extend to other groups, often to form alliances, exchange resources, or reinforce social networks. The rules may be absolute, prohibiting marriage within a certain unit, or more nuanced, permitting outside marriages but with related restrictions. Exogamy can also be motivated by biological considerations, as it tends to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of recessive disorders by avoiding close-kin unions.

Etymology: exogamic derives from Greek exō, outside, and gamos, marriage. The adjective is widely used in descriptions of kinship and marriage practices across cultures and historical periods.

See also: Endogamy, kinship, moiety, clan, alliance theory.