On the origin and extension of the incest taboo

Behavior Science Research • Vol/Iss. 10(4) • Sage Journals • • Published In • Pages: 249-281 •
By Ember, Melvin

Abstract

This paper seeks to explain the presence of the incest taboo, and its occasional extension to first cousins. After considering prevailing theories logically, the author conducts tests of the three prevailing theories, and concludes that inbreeding theory is both the most logically sound and is best supported by ethnographic evidence. The author subsequently addresses possible exceptions to this theory, and includes a mathematical model which suggests that early expanding agricultural populations may have been able to notice the deleterious effects of inbreeding.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Other researchers

Hypotheses (5)

HypothesisSupported
Childhood familiarity theory predicts that the more community endogamy, the more likely the prohibition of first-cousin marriage.Not Supported
Childhood familiarity theory predicts that small locally endogamous communities are more likely to prohibit first cousin marriage than large locally endogamous communities.Not Supported
Inbreeding theory suggests that less politically integrated communities are less likely to permit first cousin marriage than more politically integrated communities.Supported
Inbreeding theory suggests that societies with smaller average communities are less likely to permit cousin marriage than societies with larger average communities.Supported
First cousin marriage is more common in middle-sized societies undergoing depopulation.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza  jacob.kalodner