Understanding Endogamy in Caste Systems

Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within a specific social group, which is crucial for maintaining the boundaries of a caste system. In the context of American history, this has manifested through anti-miscegenation laws that prohibited interracial marriages, reflecting a societal effort to keep relationships confined within designated caste lines. These laws were enforced so stringently that even the appearance of romance across these boundaries could lead to severe consequences, including violence. This illustrates how the intertwining of love, marriage, and societal control serves to reinforce systemic divisions and undermine empathy between different groups.