Why is it socially unappectable to commit INCEST?

Question

Besides the fact that if you were to have a child it might be deformed?

Answer 1

There are few strict taboos in any society, but the "incest taboo" is one that seems to be universalized for the most part in every society. What few exceptions that existed were primarily in royal families that considered themselves the descendants of gods (Egyptian Pharoes, Roman Emporers) and wanted to keep the bloodline "pure."

Much of the taboo has its foundations in religious teachings. This may be due to the possible proliferation of negative genotypes due to close breeding as seen in livestock, since there were no scientific ways to determine such risks in ancient societies. However, from a sociological standpoint it seems to violate the purposes of the social institution of the family. The family has a primary purpose of regulating sexuality, not promoting it amongst themselves. Over time, throughout the millenia, this has consistently been reinforced and strengthened and has thus become one of the most socially repugnant violations of a social norm.

Answer 2

People here keep sighting morals and religious reasons. The fact is that those morals and religious guidelines are in place because incest causes a high risk of genetic disorders. Not just deformities but also disease and mental retardation. It stems from the fact that two people who are related have very similar DNA, which means if there is a flaw in your DNA... which happens alot. The other person you conceive a child with will probably not have the same flaw and so the child's body will utilize the other persons DNA for that part. If you both have the same flaw, then the child will not develop properly. Sooo.. people who are related have a greater risk of passing on genetic disorders.

Answer 3

All religions aside (the reason being that the bible holds many conflicting views of incest, KJV being the worst of all) The biggest reason for not having an incestuous relationship is that it ruins relationships.

For example: How can you view your father in a respectful manner if you also see him as a wife does? The relationship lines blur, then the responsiblity and obligations also differ. In almost all cases it becomes very traumatic because of these variables. It weakens family ties and breaks very important bonds that are needed for development from young child to a functional member of society.

As you grow and mature, love (re:physical love) is a new develpment that you explore on your own with someone special. A step toward independence and starting your own family someday. Taking with you, that which you most treasured and learned from your first family. Love, Respect, Unity, etc.

I'm not sure of the exact figure but I would Imagine the percentage is in the high 90's that incest/sexual abuse is the leading cause of most violent crimes. Rape, Spousal abuse, etc. Not to mention alcohol and drug use. (Don't quote me on that one.)

Good question. Take care.

Answer 4

Having a child with a deformity is not the main issue when it comes to incest. It is the mere fact that we as people today have to set some type of morals and standards when it comes to reproducing and mating. It is unethical. We are not neanderthals we are human beings that created rules for people to live by.

Answer 5

Ahem. Obviously you did SOME homework already, else you wouldn't have known about the possible deformities. Well, how would you feel about knowing your mother and older brother were doing the mattress mambo every other night? Or the fact that your younger sister was having a sexual relationship with your uncle? Not only is this VERY illegal, it is also(if you read it any, not that I'm saying anything against you) says in the Bible that you will NOT touch a member of your family that way!

Answer 6

You pretty much answered your own question there. A lot of my answers speak to F.E.A.R. Incest is considered SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE because most people F.E.A.R. that you will reproduce and that the child will turn out deformed in some way. The only thing is that most people aren't as rational when they think about issues like incest. The majority of people have very black and white feelings about incest. I even heard about two sisters that were incestuous and people even frowned on that (that one I just can't figure out). Society is a strange animal, I say do what makes you and everyone involved happy and screw the rest of society (but I would still keep it to yourself just for your personal reputation in that society to which we were just speaking).

Answer 7

Your statement about deformity points to the root of the answer: evolutionary biology primes us to bond psychologicaly with our siblings and offspring. when this familial bonding occurs it prevents us from feeling a sexual attraction within the familial relationships. However, if an individual does/can not form this kind of psychological bond and becomes sexually attracted to a family member. They are thus seen as unhealthy, genetically/psycholoically and phyisically.

Answer 8

It's not biologically healthy for people to commit incest. It's been witnessed with apes - scientists saw that a father ape impregnated one of his daughters, and when the baby was born the entire family killed it. Even apes know that it dirties the gene pool when you breed with a relative.

Answer 9

It's an abomination. A very disgusting act between same blood.

Answer 10

Because of the biblical reasons. It was totally prohibited, and if someone did it, he or she would end up in hell. Hence, is socially unaceptable.