Hypergamy

Hypergamy is a pseudoscientific term frequently used within the “manosphere” to describe a supposed female instinct to “marry up” or seek relationships with higher-status males. Popular among incels, redpill forums, and male supremacist spaces, the concept is often cited to justify misogyny, claim female disloyalty, and reinforce patriarchal structures. Despite its popularity in male-dominated subcultures, hypergamy lacks scientific consensus and is largely based on biased interpretations of evolutionary psychology and anecdotal internet narratives.

Origin and misuse

The term originates from sociology, where it once referred to social mobility through marriage, specifically, a woman marrying into a higher socioeconomic class. However, online male spaces have co-opted and twisted the term into a universal claim: that “all women are wired to betray,” that they will always leave their partners for someone richer, taller, more attractive, or higher-status.

• This weaponized version of hypergamy is often used to:

• Justify violence or emotional abuse against women

• Blame women for male loneliness or insecurity

• Shame women for leaving unhealthy relationships

• Promote control over female sexuality and autonomy