Final answer:
The statement claims that hypergamy frames women's expressions of love as opportunistic, which leaves men as the only true definers of love. Historical contexts support the contention that social and material advantages have influenced women's romantic decisions, overshadowing more genuine affectional or ethical considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central claim of the statement "Hypergamy, by its nature, defines love for women in opportunistic terms, leaving men as the only objective arbiters of what love is for themselves" suggests that hypergamy, which is the act of marrying a person of superior caste or class, influences the way women perceive and define love. The statement implies that women's romantic choices are guided by social and material advantages rather than genuine emotional connections, effectively making men the only ones who can define love without such influences.
Throughout history and various societies, discussions of gender roles and the interplay of love with social status provide examples aligning with this view. Instances where gender roles opposed the 'money mentality', where women sought to marry up for status or security, and where the 'ethics of care' were overshadowed by more masculine aspirations all serve as historical underpinnings for this claim.
The concept is highly controversial and reflects a certain perspective on social dynamics that reduces women's capacity for genuine emotion to opportunistic decision-making, ignoring the complex and multifaceted nature of human relationships.