the Indian caste system. I make a few remarks regarding those that I consider most important. There are two important elements in the Hindu caste system; for example, endogamy and hierarchy. The classes, races, and occupations exclude themselves from other groups while there is an understanding that one group is superior to the other. Of these two let endogamy be singled for consideration.
I think that I should begin the discussion regarding the psychology of endogamy by quoting Westermark. He says: "Affection depends in a very high degree upon sympathy. Though distinct aptitudes, these two classes of emotions are most intimately connected: Affection is strengthened by sympathy, and sympathy is strengthened by affection. Community of interest, opinions, sentiment, culture, mode of life, as being essential to close sympathy, is therefore favorable to warm affection. If love is excited by contrasts it is so only within certain limits. The contrast cannot be so great as to exclude sympathy."[1]
Human affection is generally restricted to those who are similar to them in these respects. People differing in race, religion, civilization and customs are also different in those essentials of close sympathy, and human affection is always guided by race and religion, customs or social position.
It is not true that these factors always restrict man's choice. Marriages do take place where these factors are not considered. But they are so rare as to be regarded
- ↑ Westermark's History of Human Marriage (1891), chap. xvi, 362.
