Sibling Marriage and Human Isolates
There are several reliable examples of human communities where incest and/or close inbreeding have occurred on a regular and systematic basis. These examples include not only the well known cases of royal family incest but also incestuous practices among commoners. This social class distinction is important to note because human sociobiologists have dismissed the many instances of royal incest as exceptional and of no consequence to the debate. Cases involving commoners, where sibling or other incestuous marriages are usual and systematic, strongly challenge sociobiological suggestions that a selection mechanism exists to prevent inbreeding.
One of the more conspicuous examples of incestuous marriage involves the Roman Egyptians of the first three centuries C.E. A great deal of documentary evidence with genealogical information (mostly census records, but also personal letters, marriage contracts and other types of contracts, petitions, and documents addressed to the administrative authorities) has been unearthed and reveals that Egyptian commoners frequently practiced full brother-sister marriage (Scheidel 1996; Middleton 1962). Russel Middleton argues that there is little uncertainty in these documents. "Unlike some of the earlier types of evidence which may be subject to differing interpretations, these documents of a technical character have an 'indisputable precision'" (1962, p. 606).
It is evident that full sibling marriages accounted for 15 to 21 percent of all unions. When considering how many sibling marriages were demographically possible and socially acceptable (i.e., some families would not have children with siblings of the opposite sex that survived to marriageable age; or have children with opposite sexed siblings; or have children with siblings with the customary age differences—Egyptian marriages conventionally occurred between an older man and younger woman), we find that almost all possible brother-sister marriages were, in fact, contracted. This strongly suggests that sibling marriages were not only common but the preferred norm.
The documents also demonstrate that sibling marriages sometimes continued through two and three generations, and that the overwhelming majority of brother-sister marriages produced children. This practice lasted for at least three centuries and ended only when the Romans discouraged the custom by withholding Roman citizenship from persons continuing the practice.
Another example of a brother-sister incest custom is presented by Edward E. Evans-Pritchard when writing about the African Azande. "[W]hen a boy reaches puberty he may take his sister and with her build their little hut near his mother's home and go into it with his sister and lay her down and get on top of her—and they copulate" (1974, p. 107). Middleton (1962, p. 603) also notes that Azande kings married their daughters and that father-daughter incest was common among the Thonga.
Among the Greeks, Keith Hopkins notes that "[t]he Athenians allowed marriage between half-siblings of the same father but different mothers; the Spartans allowed marriage between half-siblings of the same mother and different fathers" (1980, p. 311). The ancient Hebrews permitted a similar practice as noted in the Old Testament by Abraham's marriage to his half-sister Sara.
John M. Goggin and William C. Sturtevant (1964) list eight other societies that allowed sibling marriage among commoners as well as thirty-five societies that allow sibling marriage between persons of high status.
In addition to cases of sibling marriage, there is abundant evidence of close inbreeding provided by human isolates—small isolated communities where the degree of inbreeding is determined by the size, extent, and length of isolation of the population (Leavitt 1990). These small isolated communities were numerous in the past and represent the norm for preagricultural Paleolithic societies.
A well-documented illustration of a human isolate is the Samaritans of the Middle East. From about 200 B.C.E., when the Samaritans broke completely from Jewish society, until the twentieth century, the Samaritan population declined dramatically (largely due to persecution by more powerful neighbors). At the end of World War II, the Samaritan population numbered 146 individuals, and this population had remained relatively stable for 100 years. By the 1980s, however, the population had increased and the Samaritans consisted of two communities of about 250 individuals (Bonne-Tamir 1980; Jamieson 1982; Talmon 1977).
Inbreeding in the Samaritan communities has been intense, not only because of their small population, but because of three other well established customs. First, Samaritan religion prohibits marriage with individuals outside of their faith. Second, the Samaritans limit their marriages to extended family lineages. Third, they prefer cousin marriage. Batsheva Bonne-Tamir (1980) has observed that nearly 85 percent of all Samaritan marriages are between first and second cousins. However, over a long period of time, the Samaritans have revealed neither a higher rate of genetic disease nor lower fertility than other populations.
User Comments Add a comment…
about 1 month ago
corrected
Jason chew on this...Lot and his daughters - you apparently need to re-read scripture. For the record Lot's daughters had to get him drunk and sneak into bed with him to achieve this. If this was acceptable why did he have to be drunk and why were they sneaky about it? Nobody else was there but the three of them.
about 1 month ago
getitright
As a declared bible-banger and Christian follower let me remind the hater-ade consuming atheists that the Old Testament is filth and should not be quoted or considered acceptable. Jesus came (aka the New Testament) as our ransom for our wrongdoings. Jesus then led a healing ministry and set a precedence (example) of how we should conduct ourselves. God punished the world many many times for the sins and corruption of humans in the Old Testament. Furthermore Adam and Eve's children did NOT commit incest. It is clear in Genesis that Cain left the garden of Eden and found a wife. It is an assumption that incest occured. Entertain the idea there were other people. IMO more importantly than biblical teachings or biblical immorality are the social consequences. Incest is NOT socially acceptable and perception is that its socially immoral. If you insist, the consequences are yours alone to bear as long as you're all of age and consensual. But should a child who cannot choose be born? Consider this...does your personal agenda and selfishness supercede the judgment and criticism society will place upon your incestuous off-spring? Loving parents are selfless not selfish. Do the unborn a favor and if you really love each other - wear a cover.
about 1 month ago
Sarah
I'm writing a novel about brother-sister incest. It's going to be a sweet and loving romance novel about the two growing up and coping with their feelings for one another. Be sure to look for it when it comes out- I'm still working on a title, but the main symbol used will be a tomato plant, which I intend to work into the cover art. My name is Sarah, and I hope that someday, men will not be sentenced to serve in jail because they had children with the one they love.
2 months ago
Anonymous
I just read all the comments. It is very interesting to note that in all the comments against incest there is a heavy tone (i.e. disgust, hate, desire of killing, etc). Thus all the individuals who commented against incest have shown a violent attitude or psycho-abnormal, while those who accept incest have shown a sweet tone (i.e. love, care, etc). All of you think about ... and make the conclusions!!
3 months ago
Jane
I have never agreed with the cousin incest taboo. It is accepted in so many countries. As for other types of incest being taboo, I think relatives of different generations should not be involved, because the older one always has a sense of authority and can manipulate the younger person. It's not an equal relationship. Both people should be about the same age and over the age of consent. As for children, birth defects occur, regardless of how closely the two of you are related. It's no big deal.
3 months ago
disgusted
incest and inbreeding is the most disgusting thing you can do. And to have children while in one of these deplorable relationships is just omg i just find it incomprehensible how you can live with yourself? not only do these poor children have grow up being confused with the whole situation and they have to live with the shame. MY ADVICE do these children a favor and have an ABORTION. if you dont they go on to become people like britney spears and george bush. just a few of the disgraces to humanity.
3 months ago
Unconditional over of life
Dear Bob, I for one wish you all the happiness in the world. What ever anyone else says after this point is unimportant and only opinion. Nothing matters except you and your sister. Someone will always be there to put you down its natural. I for one wish you all the happiness in the world. Nothing else matters PERIOD. God bless you and keep you both safe and happy. I say GOD because he will always love us and want us to be loved and happy. After all LOVE is above all else. BE HAPPY!
5 months ago
Bob
My sister and I are four years apart, me being the oldest. We experimented when we were young and ingaged in intercourse once. When my parents found out it nearly ripped the family apart. My sister since has had four divorces and I one. About a year ago we reconciled and talked about what happened when we were young. We found that by never talking we both assumed the wrong thing. We both thought the other was hated because of what happened. We have since fallen deeply in love and are making plans for our future. I have loved her since I can remember and would do anything to insure her happiness. We are in our fourties and three of her four children are on our side. The two of us have never been happier. It would be nice to not have to live a double life though. Society is so judgemental and critical of others. I will always love, nurture and care for my sister and that is that.
6 months ago
sherrif maha_seemi ((at)) yahoo dot com
wow i m now not afraid i am still having sex with my elder sister and now she is pregnant.we love each other
8 months ago
chris chrisochem ((at)) gmail dot com
Christians: if you truly believe in God & the bible it follows that you believe that God is all powerful & omniscient. He knows what is best for us and provides for it. Don't you think that if he disapproved of incest, that he would have created a society on non-genetically related individuals who could then populate the earth without incest? Usually, we don't choose who we fall in love with. We do choose how we act, however. There are tons of people out there who have sex with people they don't even love. Is that wrong, just because they are not having sex with a genetically related individual? Who are you to judge what is right and wrong in God's eyes? You bible readers should know that JUDGING is NOT UP TO YOU - DUH !!! just shut up, live and let live. And no one here who approves of incest is talking about the rape kind. I wish society would stop making these moral evaluations. Spend your time trying to make the world better.
8 months ago
Fred fred ((at)) hotmail dot com
My view and thoughts are that the reason for allowing so many Migrants into the UK seemingly unchecked is deliberate policy to change the Nations blood line, hopefully for the better. Think about it, the powers that be are far better informed than the general public and they are far from stupid and just thinking positively about the UK's future I think the chief medical officers for the UK have probably pointed out Health Facts and statistics showing that as an Island we are too closely inter bred and it is causing VERY SERIOUS LARGE NUMBERS of AVOIDABLE medical problems I very much doubt that anyone is going to admit to it but it will come out eventually under the Freedom of Information route Well that is my view! Did you ever once think along those lines !!!
11 months ago
slohichi slohichi ((at)) guerrillamail dot org
I love how shebl mentioned God. It is clear, if we accept the story of adam and eve as true, that in order for us to proliferate throughout the world we would have had no choice but to have incest. God never complained either. You obviously never read your book. And bringing up God is like me bringing up the Spaghetti monster as a counter argument to whatever it is I disagree with. Its irrelevant due to the imperceptibility of the being in which you claim.
12 months ago
pb peterbaum ((at)) verizon dot net
Right on Iris! I do not see any problem practicing safe sex with consenting siblings of similar age for recreational purposes. I live MY live the way I want to and NOT the way society tells me too.
about 1 year ago
Iris nacksis ((at)) hotmail dot com
I don't think incest is bad. As long as it is happening between those who are legal and consenting and there is no manipulation or intimidation, etc. happening then I fail to see the harm. Just because it may seem "disgusting" to someone doesn't make it wrong.
about 1 year ago
AbdulAziz xandrdrax ((at)) yahoo dot com
Inscetuous sex is as good as gay sex,. meaning: "HORRIBLY DISGUSTING". I don't know how many had inscetuous sex without knowing it so far(yes, this happens a lot) and I warn you from sperm donation and adoption cause it causes inscetuous sex. All of you inscetuous sex makers are sick and deserve to be shot in the head, specially the ones who rape then make it sound easy to the ones they rape. John: You don't deserve your name you disgust, I hope I know you personally and know that this is you
about 1 year ago
shebl shebl_2003 ((at)) hotmail dot com
This is not only sick its also not the way GOD told us to be. God has created many men and women for a reason, to chose a husband /wife and creat a family, not create a family within your own family (eg; daughter/father sex) People need to get back and read the true words of GOD, and fear His punishment for what they have done. This is what happens when people forget the words of God, they start believing the worst unthinkable taboos are norms.This is a sign, the world really is comming to an end!
about 1 year ago
Tina davtina ((at)) bellsouth dot net
I was just curious because I watched an episode of my Redneck wedding and I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. This is crazy! With all the men and women in the world, how could anyone fall in love with their brother of sister? Much less marry them and sleep with them. I just can't see it. It is disgusting. Yet it has been going on for an awful long time.
about 1 year ago
Penny dana dot penwell ((at)) yahoo dot com
Allan and Jason, you're both a couple of wack jobs and if you're so lame and have so little game that you need to sleep with your sisters then I feel sickened, almost to point of vomiting by you both. Your parents must be so proud. But then again, they're probably the one's who taught you this vile behavior. By the way, I'm not a Christian wacko or otherwise. Just a regular cat who thinks incest is a depraved act performed by loathsome individuals.
about 1 year ago
Allan lobosolo0333 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I have no problems with consenting adults having incestuous relationships. If you can find a trusted doctor, do some type of genetic counseling before having children. New technologies may even permit repair of damaged genes and prevent deformities.
about 1 year ago
Jason olwbrepnaariu ((at)) mailinator dot com
It's hilarious how hateful and vengeful the comments are from the 'christian' and other relgious wackos who are against incest. Read your bibles (Lot and his two daughters). Incest is the best form of love there is as long as it's mutually desired and consenting. Granted, there are abuses in incestuous relationships, but there also abuses in adult, monogamous, non-incestuous unions as well. Just because your father was a drunken brute that raped you and beat you on a regular basis every night doesn't mean that's the standard for incestuous relationships anymore than some women who was beaten by her husband is a standard for marriage. If you were traumatized by incest or abuse, then by all means, seek help and get past your rage and murderous lust for revenge against others who practice incest positively and lovingly. Sincerely, A happy and incestuous Atheist.
about 1 year ago
Unknown medinajj5 ((at)) yahoo dot com
To Karen, John, & George: I hope all of you end up in a mental hospital because you need professional help. . Reality bites because the world has gone corrupted… sorry for being blunt, but truth hurts
about 1 year ago
Elaine mstiffanyepps ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
I was raised in a baptist christian home and I normally don't bring christian values into anything because most people get offended but this needs to be said. The only reason Adam & Eve's children had to sleep with each other was because they were the first of their kind. In order to populate the earth it had to be done. But now there are billions of people on this earth, why do you have to sleep with your sister or brother or children. It not only mentally gives them the wrong idea about sex it can scar them for life. I think the people who do this are selfish and cowardly. Your too much of a coward to go out and find someone so you take advantage of someone who can't fight back or make a decision of thier own. As far as all of you go who think that incest is a good thing to do. Each and everyone of you that mentioned it each have either had sex with someone MUCH older than you or MUCH younger. Like Karen how dare you justify what you did your brother he was 9 years old at the time. It had no concept of sex and what it meant. George you had sex with your MOM. What the hell is that about? And now your scaring your children the same way. What your mother did to you is not good and what your doing to your daughters is even worse. And John it's really not about society and who accepts you and your sister or not. It's about moral principles. Why is it so important for you to sleep with your sister? There is no else that you attracted to? Are you afraid that no one will love you like your family? Well if you do feel that way no one will love like your family does. But if you find the right one they'll love you far more than you could ever imagine.
about 1 year ago
Roy yowzah ((at)) yahoo dot com
Why not? It is a thrill like no other. And, if a child results... The more the merrier!!!
about 1 year ago
p plo ((at)) cnblog dot com dot com
hey hiroko where did the word rape come in ?
about 1 year ago
hiroko hiroko1993 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Absolutely disgusting. anyone who does this should go and off themselves. i would help. disgusting. just reading about this has traumatized me. anyone who participates in the RAPE of a sibling is sick. psycho. PSYCHO.
about 1 year ago
rachel deftrachel ((at)) hotmail dot com
If you people haven't noticed, the article didn't even mention the problems with inbreeding! the infringements of human rights of having sex with children, the huge damage that is emotionally - the sick babies! Having sex with a minor is the worst thing you can do to them. . and I speak form experience, having been raped for several years of my childhood. Just because other people got away with it for any reason doesn't mean it's okay! Karen, you've been raping your brother before he even his puberty. I can't imagine what the hell makes you think this is alright, he's not even of legal age YET. I wonder how your parents feel about this? maybe you should run it past them. Hopefully they will end your life. and george. . how old are your daughters? How long have you been having sex with them? Who's to say they want your child? As their father, you have authority over them, and you are abusing your daughters terribly, and should they ever want to kill you, I would be happy to give them a hand. I think you lot should pick up a copy of "The courage to heal" and then castrate yourselves.
about 1 year ago
karen johnson karen1212 ((at)) yshoo dot com
i was 16 when i tip toe into my brother bed room one night got in bed with him i was nude he was only 9 year old i had to tell him what to do. 4 year later i'm now pregnant with our first child i am so happy about
about 1 year ago
george gbush ((at)) whitehouse dot gov
i frequently had sex with my mother when i was younger and i now frequently have sex with my two lovely daughters. now after reading this article, i am no longer afraid if one of my daughters gets pregnant.
about 1 year ago
john ck321 ((at)) myway dot com
the first time i sex with my sister i was 17 year old my sister was 11 year old today we are adult we still have sex. we have 2 kids 1 girl 5 year old 1 boy 2 year old we don't care what people think it what we think.we each love the other one