intermarriage

Intermarriage refers to the union of two individuals from different racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. The term is commonly used to describe marriages between people of different races or ethnicities (interracial or interethnic marriage) but can also apply to unions across religious or cultural boundaries. Intermarriage is a form of exogamy, in contrast to endogamy.

Throughout history, many societies restricted or prohibited intermarriage through laws, social norms, or religious edicts. In the United States, anti-miscegenation laws were invalidated by the Supreme Court in 1967 (Loving v. Virginia). In other regions, intermarriage remains culturally sensitive or legally restricted in some contexts, while in many places it is common and broadly accepted.

Demographically, intermarriage contributes to population diversification and can influence cultural dynamics, identity formation, and social integration. Mixed-heritage families may navigate complex kinship identities, language use, and religious or cultural practices. Some studies associate intermarriage with greater social tolerance and improved integration, while others highlight ongoing discrimination, family opposition, or challenges in child upbringing and cultural continuity.

Contemporary trends show that globalization, migration, and religious or cultural pluralism have increased rates of intermarriage in many countries, although rates vary widely by region, education, religion, and age. See also interracial marriage, interethnic marriage, interfaith marriage.