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

Hypothesis

Inbreeding theory suggests that societies with smaller average communities are less likely to permit cousin marriage than societies with larger average communities.

Note

Average community size here is a proxy for genetic isolation, with larger average community size indicating less genetic isolation.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Chi squareSupportedp<.001UNKNOWNOne-tailed

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Average Community SizeIndependentCommunity Structure
Prohibition Of First Cousin MarriageDependentRegulation Of Marriage