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