Disappearance of the incest taboo: a cross-cultural test of general evolutionary hypotheses

American Anthropologist • Vol/Iss. 91 • Published In • Pages: 116-131 •
By Leavitt, Gregory C.

Abstract

This article presents a theory of evolutionary development of incest regulation, namely that as societal complexity increases the incest taboo will become less extensive. The author presents empirical support for this theory, though the association is not supported among simply structured societies. The role of descent type is also discussed.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza