Assumptions on Sex and Society in the Biosocial Theory of Incest

Abstract

The biosocial theory of incest holds that the universal aspect of the taboo grows from innate sexual inhibitions triggered by intimacy in early childhood relationships everywhere. Much evidence suggests that this sexual inhibition does occur. However, the theory contains problematic assumptions that either interfere with the logic of the theory or are empirically questionable. We suggest that more attention to variation in early intimacy, sexual inhibitions, and taboos is needed for further development of the theory. We discuss sibling marriage in Egypt to suggest how research might be more fruitful if it were centered on variation in this way.

Sensual Attachment and Incest Avoidance in Human Evolution and Child Development

“…1 In any event, most women in minor marriages do not get divorced, and the average total fertility for minor marriages across the twenty-eight districts is 6.23 children born live. Thus, the data hardly demonstrate that early close association produces a strong sexual aversion; instead they show that the effect is relatively modest and does not account for the degree of incest avoidance that we see in human beings (see also , Haig 1999;Hendrix & Schneider 1999;Leavitt 1990). This assessment accords with work on olfactory recognition of MHC similarity and assortive mating.…”

Olfactory sexual inhibition and the westermarck effect

“…For instance, evidence for inbreeding depression and for the acquisition of pathogen/parasite resistance, the presumed ultimate causes of selection for inbreeding avoidance, is surprisingly weak in natural populations (Apanius et al 1997:183;Shields 1993). Further, as the Westermarck model has been modified to countenance new data, problems have arisen with its logic, specification, and implications (Hendrix and Schneider 1999). Yet enough research has been done since Leavitt's critique to call for a thorough reconsideration of his case.…”

Familiarity breeds: incest and the Ptolemaic dynasty

“…Egypt (Bell (1949); Hombert and Preaux (1949); 17 Archibald (2001) 11. Modrezejewski (1964; Hopkins (1980Hopkins ( , 1994; Boureau 18 In 1984, Bratt found 30 American states with sanc-(1992); Shaw (1992); Bagnall and Frier (1994) 127-34; tions (in eight states, criminal sanctions) against the mar- Scheidel(1995Scheidel( , 1996aScheidel( , 1996bScheidel( , 1997Scheidel( ,2002Scheidel( ,2005; Parker riage of first cousins and 20 states with no sanctions (1996); Hendrix and Schneider (1999); Gonis (2000) (the against such a union: Bratt (1984). only known case of incestuous marriage between twins) 19 Philo, De spec.…”