Hypergamy is a term that refers to the practice of seeking a partner who is of higher social or economic status than oneself. It’s based on the idea that individuals, particularly women, prefer to marry or enter into relationships with partners who have a higher status, wealth, or education than they do.
Hypergamy can affect dating in a number of ways. For example, it may lead to a greater emphasis on physical appearance, wealth, and status in choosing a partner, which can make it more difficult for people who don’t meet these criteria to find love. Additionally, it can lead to a competitive dating environment, where people feel like they need to constantly improve themselves in order to be considered attractive to potential partners.
Hypergamy can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and disappointment in relationships, as individuals may feel like they are constantly being compared to partners or potential partners who are perceived as being of higher status. It can also perpetuate gender-based power imbalances, as it may place greater value on traits and characteristics that are traditionally associated with men, such as wealth and status, over those associated with women, such as emotional intelligence and care-giving abilities.