Hypergamy. It’s not a word one comes across often either in print or social media. If you’re to do a cross section of individuals among very different demographics, cultures and gender identity most would probably have never heard of the work to begin with. What they do not realize is that this word has been around a very, very long time in different guises.
HyperGamy: Its Meaning and Impact
Index
- Introduction
- Definition and Origins
- Types of Hypergamy
- Hypergamy in Cultural and Historical Context
- Hypergamy in the Modern World
- Keywords
- Tools to Help
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Most recently, this term has increased in popularity both in its use and stories. You read about it every day, even when it is not noticeable at first. This brief essay will look at Hypergamy—what it means to the individual, what it means to potential relationships, its use in modern dating, and its various impacts on both culture and society.
- Hypergamy has gained popularity in modern discussions.
- It impacts individuals, relationships, dating, culture, and society.
Definition and Origins
The Meaning of Hypergamy
Let’s first look briefly at what the term hypergamy really means. Its origins can be found and traced back to the Greek language. It simply means “higher” along with the inclusion of ”marriage.”
Historical Context
Back then, it was usually a term given to a set of women who married higher in their economic status than they presently found themselves in. In today’s modern dating society, of course, hypergamy can be used for any sex, gender, or identity. This definition has also greatly expanded. When one is moving up, it can be numerous things—economically, physically, culturally, and intellectually.
- The term originates from Greek, meaning "higher marriage.
- Historically associated with women marrying into a higher economic class.
Types of Hypergamy
Economic Climbing
Proponents of Hypergamy have reduced it to several divisions—one of three separate types. The first form of hypergamy is what is referred to as “economic climbing.” This simply enough is when someone seeks someone who has more money, more education, or a higher social status. The latter, the social status, is the least popular since how one views a particular social status, how to define it, and what it brings to the table in today’s age is certainly dependent on culture and primarily more money. Without the money, you will not get the status.
Physical Attraction
The second form of hypergamy is simply physical appearance—you are seeking a romantic or potential partner who is better looking than you. Most would agree that most people seek to find someone who is an equal, if not better looking than they are.
Intellectual and Emotional Hypergamy
Finally, the third type of hypergamy is a combination of two criteria—one being intellectual and the other being emotional intelligence. This is when you actively seek a partner who has greater emotional intelligence than you do. Again, finding someone with greater emotional intelligence is a difficult feat. I would counter by saying a rare feat indeed. However, seeking somebody who’s more intellectually capable than you is a separate form of hypergamy that has its own term in other circles as being sapiosexual—where you are physically attracted to someone because of their intelligence.
- Economic hypergamy involves seeking a partner with higher financial or social status.
- Physical hypergamy prioritizes attractiveness in a partner.
- Intellectual/emotional hypergamy focuses on intelligence and emotional intelligence.
Hypergamy in Cultural and Historical Context
Traditional Gender Roles
As mentioned prior, hypergamy in media and print was originally referred to for women specifically. In today’s modern dating world, it is used and available to all genders and all identities. The only difference depends on one’s particular cultural norms and societal norms, as well as one’s own individuality and how they encounter and use hypergamy to their advantage.
Historical Examples
Some sociologists argue that hypergamy is actually built into our DNA. They look at this lens as an evolutionary trait where women would seek men who have more money. This would offer the woman protection for her potential family unit and children. They will also argue that for women, hypergamy was one of the few opportunities in their life to improve it substantially. History is littered with hypergamy examples. For example, one can easily look at various royal lineages, where women outside of nobility married into nobility to improve their circumstance. Another example would be the Indian caste system, which had particular rules for marrying up in a caste but not down. Traditionalist Chinese history also emphasized marrying into an equal or better family to move higher up in status.
- Originally focused on women but now applies to all identities.
- Historical examples include royal marriages, the caste system, and traditional Chinese customs.
Hypergamy in the Modern World
The Role of the Internet and Social Media
Now, society and cultures have evolved across the globe through open communication and the internet. Yes, we have all changed fundamentally due to the internet age. However, that is not to say that certain hypergamy elements of tradition and history can still be found amongst various different cultures, peoples, genders, and identities. Let’s take a brief look at how hypergamy can be found in the modern dating sphere.
Online Dating Apps
The first example of hypergamy’s presence today is quite easy to spot—online dating apps. One can see the lineage of hypergamy simply by looking at the filters in various dating apps. Here, you can search for a person not simply based on physical appearance but also on how educated they are and how much money they make. This, of course, is the ultimate hypergamy definition in use.
Women’s Empowerment and Career Growth
Some say it can also be found through the women’s movement in the early ’70s as more women broke the corporate glass ceiling to receive higher pay and higher education. Still, with these advancements, career women still wanted to find a mate who exceeded their own limits.
Social Media and Hypergamy
Next, we can turn our attention back to the internet, namely social media. Social media has only increased hypergamy and its explosive attraction many times over. One only needs to look at the popular social app Instagram, where individuals brag to the world either about their physical appearance or wealth. One can see the amount of attention it receives, as well as individuals who try to interact and hook up with these people—hypergamy to the maximum.
- The internet and dating apps reinforce hypergamy.
- Social media has amplified the attraction to wealth and appearance.
Hypergamy’s Influence on Relationships and Marriage
Delayed Marriages
While many argue that hypergamy has truly influenced not only the modern dating world but also marriage habits, they argue that individuals have formed a trend of marrying much later in life. Not only because they themselves want to be more established in either their education or income generation—but the longer they wait, the better chance they have of moving up with a partner.
Emotional Intelligence in Partner Selection
It’s also argued that hypergamy can be manifested in the ability to look for someone who is more emotionally intelligent. But again, the writer here feels this must be incredibly small. It is rare that we hear about it or that it is a primary characteristic for any individual seeking a life partner.
Conclusion
The Positive Effects of Hypergamy
To conclude, proponents of hypergamy say that it has numerous positive effects on an individual. Some argue that by the existence of hypergamy, it forces individuals to self-improve. If you want to attract a high-net-worth individual, you yourself have to be worthy of it. The positive use of social mobility by improving your stature in life benefits not only yourself but also your potential offspring.
Hypergamy in the Digital Age
In the end, they argue that hypergamy is an important function and hugely advantageous for you and your loved ones—particularly with the advent of the internet. One can now have many more varying connections, which opens one up to many different and diverse experiences because of hypergamy and its acceptance in today’s world.
Keywords
- Hypergamy
- Social Status
- Sapiosexual
- Intelligence
- Online Dating
- Social Mobility
Tools to Help
- Online dating apps that include financial filters
- Try Self-improvement books and courses on similar themes
- Social networking for building social and wealthy connections.
FAQ
1. Is hypergamy only about money?
No, it will also includes ones attraction and intelligence to the individual.
2. Can hypergamy apply to men?
Of course - it may apply less, but it certainly applies.
3. Does hypergamy encourage one’s self-improvement?
Some sociologists have argued that it does. To get to a higher social status if may force the person to work harder on themselves.
Written By: Anthony Rand. B.A., B.A., LL.M.
About the Author
Anthony Rand is a relationship expert with over 35 years of experience in the dating world. He has helped individuals navigate the complexities of modern relationships. He has authored numerous articles on topics ranging from online dating strategies to building lasting relationships. He holds degrees, including an LL.M. (Master of Laws) and two Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Disclaimer
Please remember, there is much variation and diversity in life. Within this variation come various expectations and differences. What may work in the article above may not work for others. While this article does provide great insight and strong fundamentals it cannot answer all the issues. It is limited in its scope, since every relationship is different. Follow your heart and mind to see what works best for you.
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Updated January 31/2025