homogamous

Homogamy is a term used in sociology and biology. In sociology, it refers to the tendency of individuals to marry or form relationships with people who are similar to them in certain characteristics. These characteristics can include social class, education level, ethnicity, religion, age, and political beliefs. When homogamy occurs, it results in a disproportionate number of marriages between individuals who share these commonalities. This phenomenon can contribute to the perpetuation of social stratification, as similar groups tend to remain within their own social circles.

In a biological context, homogamy, also known as assortative mating, describes the non-random association of genotypes or phenotypes between mates. This means that individuals with similar genetic makeup or observable traits are more likely to reproduce with each other than individuals with dissimilar traits. For example, in some plant species, flowers that are more similar in size may be more likely to be pollinated by the same insect. Assortative mating can influence the genetic structure of a population over time, potentially leading to an increase in homozygosity for certain genes.