Hypogamy is also known as -

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Hypogamy is a form of marriage where a woman marries a man from a lower social stratum (class or caste).
In the context of the traditional Indian social system, this type of union is specifically termed Pratiloma.
The term 'Pratiloma' literally means 'against the hair' or 'against the grain,' signifying a union that goes against the conventional social hierarchy.

Option A: Bigamy refers to the number of spouses (marrying a second person while still legally married to the first), not their social status.
Option B: Monogamy refers to being married to only one person at a time. It does not concern the social status of the partners.
Option D: Anuloma is the direct opposite of Pratiloma. It describes a marriage where a woman marries a man of a higher social status (also known as hypergamy).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sociological terms for marriage types based on social status as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding social structures like caste and marriage practices (Anuloma/Pratiloma) helps nurses appreciate the cultural background and potential social stressors affecting patients and their families.
A patient's family structure and social standing can influence health-seeking behaviors, access to care, and the level of family support available.
What if? If a nurse is working in a community with rigid social hierarchies, being unaware of these dynamics could lead to misinterpreting family interactions or sources of stress, potentially impacting the therapeutic relationship and patient counseling.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Hypogamy'.
Recall the definition of Hypogamy: a marriage where a woman marries a man of a lower social class or status.
Analyze the options provided. 'Bigamy' and 'Monogamy' relate to the number of marital partners, not their social status, so these can be eliminated.
This leaves 'Pratiloma' and 'Anuloma', which are specific sociological terms used in the Indian context related to marriage and caste.
Differentiate between the two: 'Pratiloma' means 'against the grain' and corresponds to marrying down (Hypogamy), while 'Anuloma' means 'with the grain' and corresponds to marrying up (Hypergamy).
Therefore, 'Pratiloma' is the correct synonym for 'Hypogamy' in this context.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHF70Yj_m_Q3cvz-tMcWJX

E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 161-163, 162-164, 160-162

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