Cousin marriages, or consanguineous unions, are one of the oldest social practices of humanity. It is a global tradition, incorporated different cultures. While in the modern world, this practice could be dissected clinically, there are cultural, familial, and social values of the past that its adapted to. It is still not a singular practice, having a global health and cultural mosaic that varies, and that needs to be understood.
Cousin Marriages are very common in several nations which this article will focus on, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, and Turkey. there is a strong emphasis on the cultural and social values underlying and fueling this tradition which is then juxtaposed to the need for education and the lack of awareness for the sake the importance of the individual and the society as a whole.
The Global Snapshot: Where Tradition Holds Strong
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Among marriages worldwide, around 65% of marriages in Pakistan are cousins. This trend is not simply a coincidence, but a solid part of the culture. This practice stems from the culture value system of preserving a family line and building family ties with familiarity. For many Pakistanis, Cousin Marriages are a timely practice to strategically secure land, wealth, and culture within the baradari (the extended family).
India is not far behind. India has a cousin marriage rate at 55%. India being a very large and geographically and culturally diverse country, the practice is still very culturally prominent in many regions, and that is because of the same reasons as Pakistan, the social practice of marrying a known partner and retaining land.
The Arabian Peninsula also shows high figures when it comes to Cousin Marriages. Saudi Arabia is ranked third with 50% of Cousin Marriages. In Saudi Arabia the practice is common within the country and is a part of the social custom. Keeping family honor and close ties within the tribe are the main reasons alone for keeping Cousin Marriages.
Other countries are doing this, but at different levels. Afghanistan has a cousin marriage rate of 40%. Iran has a lower rate than Pakistan and India, but it is still high at 30%. Egypt and Turkey, however, have cousin marriage rates of 20%. Although this is still high, it shows the practice is less common than in the higher-ranking countries. These differences show the different levels of social attitudes and family choices across the region.
The Important Talk: Health Risks and Understanding
Even if there is a cultural acceptance of Cousin Marriages, the health risks still need to be considered. Modern genetics and public health have determined the risk of gaining a genetic disorder is much higher when both parents share a recent common ancestor.
Offspring of Cousin Marriages are more likely to have genetic disorders. This is more likely if both parents have the same recessive genes. Although cousin marriages do not result in new genetic mutations, they do increase the likelihood of harmful recessive genes in the family line being expressed. This can lead to the deafness, blindness, and severe blood disorders or intellectual disabilities mentioned above and to other serious conditions.
The high and constant rates of Cousin Marriages within these countries show the need for education and awareness around these risks. “The goal isn’t to condemn the practice, but to inform the choice,” says one health analyst. Talking about the risks and offering genetic counseling and testing can help. Providing unbiased information about genetic risks to prospective parents is essential in helping them prioritize the health of their children.
Finding The Balance: Culture Meets Well-Being
Finding an appropriate balance on issues where people feel deep and abiding conflict needs special attention in communities where Cousin Marriages and people’s well-being issues are prominent. It needs attention to traditions from multiple generations and an equal attention to the health of individuals (and the health of the next generation) crossing the borders of the family and wider society.
Education and health promotion are central to the balance. The initiatives in the field need to be free of judgment and culturally appropriate by focusing on the value of information regarding the genetic consequences of marriages between cousins. The effort to accomplish balance in all the numerous parts needs to include collaborative arrangements from people in health care delivery, local government policy, and most importantly, the use of authority in the practice of culture in the community.
In reference to Pakistan, where Cousin Marriages are particularly numerous, a culturally sensitive and demonstrably useful health promotion goal would be the reduction of stigma associated with the “Cousin Marriages” problem. Working with communities from a culturally sensitive perspective will positively influence the problem of cousin marriages and the health of the individuals involved. It needs health promotion to be empowering and collaborative, allowing the family to choose while creating a firm foundation regarding health for the children.
