Factors influencing the allowance of cousin marriages in the Standard Cross Cultural Sample

Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences • Vol/Iss. 10(2) • American Psychological Association • • Published In • Pages: 98-108 •
By Hoben, Ashley D. , Buunk, Abraham P., Fisher, Maryanne L.

Abstract

The authors investigate environmental reasons for cross-cultural variation in the permissibility of cousin marriages. In particular, they test whether higher levels of pathogen prevalence and geographic isolation increase the likelihood that cousin marriage will be allowed. The authors' underlying theory is that cousin marriages provide protective homozygosity against some pathogens and provide more options when mate choices are limited.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Tahlisa Brougham  dmccloskey103