is the taboo merely cultural?
2006-06-22 12:13:57 · 42 answers · asked by Billy B 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Interestingly, (but perhaps not suprising) the incest taboo is one of the few universals in all cultures. Different cultures have different definitions on how close a relative is too close, but for the most part, the taboo always includes forbiddance of sexual relations between parents and children, and nearly always between siblings. A really satifactory explanation for the incest taboo has yet to be put forth. The simplest, but least thorough, explanation states that human beings have some insticnctive horror of incest. The early theories put forth by geneticists that incest taboos prevent inbreeding are not quite as clear-cut as they once seemed. Inbreeding can accentuate desireable traits, as well as deletarious ones, although it is generally better for a population to have as much genetic diversity as possible.
2006-06-22 12:24:02 · answer #1 · answered by Harry 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The taboo is a cultural as well as a medical one. Pretty much every society has regarded incest as wrong. The royal families of Europe were all very closely related, and cousins often married. Many suffered from hemophilia, a disease that becomes more common in closely related families like that. However, if isolated incest does result in a child being born, chances are good that the child will be healthy.
2006-06-22 12:20:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, incest is a bad thing. And no it's not merely a cultureal taboo, although some sociologists would argue otherwise, simply because other cultures are OK with certain types of incest.
2006-06-22 12:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by theua_s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say it was a bad thing. I mean, just medically it can cause major problems in any offspring - anywhere from mental problems to physical deformities. Above that, with all the people in the world - why would you want to engage in incest?
2006-06-22 12:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Medical speaking is bad because in case of the woman get pregnant the child has a high probability of getting genetic disease.
Social speaking for almost all world is bad, but i think if it happens with two consenting adults, then it doesn't bother me at all, and shouldn't be seen has a bad thing.
2006-06-28 05:09:38 · answer #5 · answered by stran_ger69 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Incest is mainly a bad thing because of the deformity's that are commonly associated with ma/pa being to similar. not to mention its just plan freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeky
2006-06-22 12:17:40 · answer #6 · answered by fastest57chevy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
incest the game the whole family can play...
While royalty have often participated in this to preserve the royal bloodlines, most people around the world frown on this due to the possibility of passing on too many recessive genes causing problems for their offspring. ie flippers for hands
2006-06-22 12:16:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more than cultural....
There is a reason why incest parents have retarded and deformed children, because they shouldn't be having sex!!
It is un-healthy mentally and physically in many ways. Especially if children are involved.
2006-06-22 12:20:15 · answer #8 · answered by Brandy A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what the hell is with all these distrubing questions. INSCEST IS BAD!!!! You dont mix DNA-- u get one pregnant and u have messed up kids and you go to family reunions and geez u have the same family. What is wrong with these people!??!?!?!?! Oh hello the mother of the bride is the same as the grooms. Whatever thats freaking gross.
2006-06-22 12:17:52 · answer #9 · answered by coco_k22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is a bad thing. Not only is is really gross, the offspring will be born with some kind of defect or be really weak. People are not meant to breed with their own blood.
2006-06-22 12:16:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋