Cross-Cousin Marriage

Definition

Cross-cousin marriage refers to the practice of marrying one's mother's brother's daughter or father's sister's son. It is a type of consanguineous marriage, where the spouses are related by blood, and is common in certain cultural and kinship systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cross-cousin marriage is often practiced in societies with a bilateral kinship system, where both the maternal and paternal lines are recognized.
2. The practice of cross-cousin marriage can help strengthen family ties and consolidate land or property within the kinship group.
3. In some cultures, cross-cousin marriage is preferred as it is seen as a way to keep wealth and resources within the family.
4. Cross-cousin marriage can have both biological and social implications, as it can increase the risk of genetic disorders while also reinforcing cultural traditions.
5. The prevalence of cross-cousin marriage varies across different regions and cultures, with higher rates observed in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Review Questions

• Explain the concept of cross-cousin marriage and how it relates to the topic of kinship.
  • Cross-cousin marriage is a type of consanguineous marriage where an individual marries their mother's brother's daughter or father's sister's son. This practice is closely tied to the concept of kinship, as it reflects the culturally defined relationships and obligations within a kinship system. In societies with a bilateral kinship system, where both maternal and paternal lines are recognized, cross-cousin marriage can be seen as a way to strengthen family ties and consolidate resources within the kinship group.
• Describe the potential benefits and drawbacks of cross-cousin marriage from a cultural and biological perspective.
  • From a cultural perspective, cross-cousin marriage can be viewed as a way to reinforce family ties and keep wealth or property within the kinship group. It may be preferred in some societies as it is seen as a means of maintaining traditional practices and social cohesion. However, from a biological standpoint, cross-cousin marriage can increase the risk of genetic disorders due to the increased likelihood of sharing common ancestors and genetic material. This can have implications for the health and well-being of the offspring. The prevalence and acceptance of cross-cousin marriage varies across different regions and cultures, reflecting the complex interplay between cultural traditions and biological considerations.
• Analyze how the practice of cross-cousin marriage might influence the broader social and kinship structures within a society.
  • The practice of cross-cousin marriage can have significant implications for the broader social and kinship structures within a society. By consolidating resources and strengthening family ties within the kinship group, cross-cousin marriage can contribute to the maintenance of traditional power structures and social hierarchies. It may also shape inheritance patterns, decision-making processes, and the distribution of wealth and social status within the kinship network. At the same time, the biological implications of cross-cousin marriage, such as the increased risk of genetic disorders, can have broader societal impacts, potentially influencing demographic trends, healthcare needs, and even social perceptions and attitudes towards consanguineous relationships. The complex interplay between cultural, social, and biological factors surrounding cross-cousin marriage highlights the importance of understanding kinship systems and their role in shaping the fabric of a society.

Related terms

Consanguineous Marriage: A marriage between individuals who are biologically related, such as first or second cousins.

Kinship System: The culturally defined relationships between individuals, which govern social behavior and obligations.

Matrilateral Cross-Cousin Marriage: A type of cross-cousin marriage where the spouse is the mother's brother's daughter.