When and why in history did incest beome taboo?

Question

I believe in ancient times incest was a regular practice in many cultures, especially among royals to keep the royal bloodline.
When did it become taboo, and for what reason?
Is there a proper scientific basis for our current attitude towards it?

Answer 1

What's interesting in this age of STDs and birth control, is the quiet resurgence of incest, more common than anyone thinks but not discussed! It's becuase consentual recreational sex in a closed group (like a family where everyone is "clean" and doesn't stray to strangers outside the group) is much safer and more confidential. Also there are older more knowledgable people available to teach or answer questions for yonger members when they decide to become active, as their drives kick in growing up. It can be a smarter safer option to "dating around".

Answer 2

When is up in the air.

Strictly from Science point of view. Nothing to do with sin or no sin, that is an individual issue.

Close relative do not have cromozon compatibility.

As we get more knowledge we as a rule change the laws of the land.

Relatives should not get married, genes can play havoc, in case of blood relative depending on how close the relative are by blood relationship, Child is born with defects and they can range from real early still born birth to vary serious multiple deformity to, various hereditary deceases.

In most countries royal law do not apply to royals and they themselves have corrected their behavioural pattern when this became general knowledge.

As a rule blood relative must not marry each other. UK allows cousins to get married but discourages thru education. Elders priest and local law enforcement and marriage registry request that they get genes tested for serious illnesses, genetic counselling.

In some community in India it is no no if all 4 grand parents are same. If 2 out of 4 are not same then it is OK the effect is not that acute.

To day we have DNA so this mistakes can be avoided, when in doubt see a doctor or even get a DNA done in case of people separated from the family and adopted individuals.

But a above all take this seriously there is science behind this and it is full proof, there is no escape from the cause effect.

Answer 3

Well... I think by now,you might have got enough answers on why it became taboo... but just a brief mention i would like to add here.

I feel there have always been certain "rules" of living at every stage in every culture. You are human only if you follow them. E.g, in the Incan civilisation, there were human sacrifices. It was fine with them. It is inhuman for us today. Similarly, marriage may become a taboo tomorrow.

Similarly, notwithstanding the medical facts, I feel it is rather awkward to share intimacy with people so close that, there ought to be certain "human' values taking precedence.

Answer 4

If you take the possibility of child creation & the act of an older person forcing it on a younger one I see no problem with it except for possible laws against it in some areas. I can see how growing up with a sibling could easily cause a loving & sexual relationship to occur. Of course that would not likely take place since these same siblings would be subject to continuous discussion of the fact that it is taboo throughout their early lifetime.

Answer 5

I think it has always been considered to be improper and a perversion. Incest was practised in some societies such as Egypt to preserve royal blood lines. I think the observed results of incest were known before modern medicine from observation.

Answer 6

This concept emerged when there were abortions, deformities in children.The progeny were dull and deformed. This made them think of what curse had befallen them and they thought breeding in close range was bad and this probably led to this. They highlighted this and decided not to marry within the family.And later on the incest was declared to be the taboo, as this would invite the wrath of God.

Answer 7

I think it was during the 40 years in the desert, with Moses that God said that it was a no..no.
Science has stated that there are inherent health problems.
Just look at the Royals of years ago and its evident that it didn't help the mental state of Kings and Queens.

Answer 8

Cousin based intermarriage has a negligible effect on the rate of birth defects. It is the religious hegemony that perpetuates this myth despite modern science, much like people actually believe that god made the earth in 7 days only 4,000 years ago.

Answer 9

Well incest wasnt practiced but couisins did marry cousins and stuff to keep not the bloodline but to keep the money in the family.

Answer 10

It leads to birth defects and the child suffers. Some adults also sexually harass a child that way and it's incest not to mention illegal. Some brothers & sisters do that as well.