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Cousin marriage in the Middle East Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Consanguineous Marriage in the Middle East: Sociocultural Dynamics and Genetic Considerations

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Consanguineous Marriage in the Middle East: Sociocultural Dynamics and Genetic Considerations Study Guide

Defining Consanguinity and Types

In the context of the Middle East, cousin marriage is predominantly defined as unions between individuals related as second cousins or more closely.

Answer: True

Explanation: The prevalent definition of cousin marriage in the Middle East refers to unions between individuals related as second cousins or more closely, not third cousins or more distantly.

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Historically, Arab countries have generally reported some of the highest rates of consanguineous marriages globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion of lowest rates, Arab countries have historically reported some of the highest rates of consanguineous marriages worldwide.

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The Arabic term 'bint 'amm' specifically denotes a marriage between a man and his father's brother's daughter, i.e., his paternal parallel cousin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'bint 'amm' specifically refers to the marriage of a man to his father's brother's daughter, which is his paternal first cousin.

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What is the primary definition of cousin marriage discussed in the context of the Middle East?

Answer: Marriages between couples related as second cousins or more closely.

Explanation: The primary definition of cousin marriage in the Middle East refers to unions between individuals related as second cousins or more closely.

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How do the rates of consanguineous marriages in Arab countries generally compare to global rates?

Answer: Arab countries have historically reported some of the highest rates worldwide.

Explanation: Arab countries have historically documented some of the highest rates of consanguineous marriages globally.

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Which specific type of cousin marriage is noted as particularly common in tribal and traditional Muslim communities in the Middle East?

Answer: Marriage with the father's brother's daughter (paternal parallel cousin), known as 'bint 'amm'.

Explanation: The marriage known as 'bint 'amm', between a man and his father's brother's daughter (paternal first cousin), is particularly common in tribal and traditional Muslim communities.

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What is the difference between parallel and cross-cousin marriages?

Answer: Parallel involves marrying a child of a parent's same-sex sibling; Cross involves marrying a child of a parent's opposite-sex sibling.

Explanation: Parallel-cousin marriage is union with a child of a parent's same-sex sibling, while cross-cousin marriage is union with a child of a parent's opposite-sex sibling.

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Sociocultural Motivations and Practices

In parts of northern Arabia and Iraq, a paternal male cousin traditionally holds a formal 'right' to marry his paternal female cousin.

Answer: True

Explanation: In certain Middle Eastern regions, the paternal male cousin possesses a customary 'right' to marry his paternal female cousin, influencing marriage choices.

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The concept of honor in the Middle East is closely related to cousin marriage practices.

Answer: True

Explanation: In many Middle Eastern societies, the concept of honor is intricately linked to cousin marriage practices, often serving to maintain family control and reputation.

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Symbolic reasons for cousin marriage among the Berti people, according to Holý, include reinforcing kinship ties and protecting family honor, not diminishing kinship ties or increasing external alliances.

Answer: True

Explanation: Symbolic rationales for cousin marriage among the Berti, as per Holý, involve reinforcing kinship bonds and safeguarding family honor.

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Some historical Arab authors advised against marrying close relatives, believing offspring might be feeble or less healthy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain historical Arab authors cautioned against marrying close relatives, citing concerns about the potential health and vigor of offspring.

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Cousin marriage typically results in a lower bride price (mahr) compared to marriage with a non-relative.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Islamic contexts, cousin marriage generally leads to a reduced bride price (mahr), often approximately half that of marriages with unrelated partners.

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Cousin marriage in the Middle East is often viewed as a strategy that prioritizes increased group solidarity, potentially at the expense of broader societal integration.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cousin marriage is frequently understood as a mechanism that enhances group solidarity, possibly by limiting broader societal integration through marital alliances.

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How does cousin marriage typically affect the bride price (mahr) in Islamic contexts?

Answer: It usually results in a reduced bride price, often about half as much.

Explanation: Cousin marriage typically leads to a reduction in the bride price (mahr), often by approximately 50%, compared to marriages with non-relatives.

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What does the concept of 'symbolic capital' refer to in the context of Middle Eastern cousin marriage?

Answer: The family's reputation, social standing, and intangible assets.

Explanation: Symbolic capital encompasses a family's reputation, social standing, and other intangible assets, which cousin marriage can help preserve within the lineage.

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What does the proverb 'Marry the distant, but not the near' suggest about cousin marriage in the Middle East?

Answer: It reflects a sentiment discouraging marriage with close relatives, possibly due to concerns about offspring health.

Explanation: This proverb suggests a cultural sentiment against marrying close relatives, potentially stemming from concerns regarding the health of offspring.

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What is a symbolic reason for cousin marriage among the Berti people, according to Holý?

Answer: To protect the honor of involved parties and reinforce agnatic solidarity.

Explanation: Symbolic reasons for cousin marriage among the Berti include protecting family honor and reinforcing agnatic solidarity.

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How does cousin marriage balance group solidarity with societal integration in the Middle East?

Answer: It prioritizes group solidarity, potentially trading off broader societal alliances.

Explanation: Cousin marriage tends to prioritize group solidarity by reinforcing existing kinship ties, which may involve a trade-off with broader societal integration achieved through alliances with unrelated families.

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Historical and Religious Context

Cousin marriage was an accepted practice in the Middle East prior to the advent of Islam.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to Islam, cousin marriage was an accepted practice in the Middle East, evidenced by biblical accounts and advice from figures like King Ardashir I.

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The Quran does not explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Quran lists prohibited marriages but does not include first cousins, implying permissibility.

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Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, his cousin, is cited as an example of cousin marriage within Islamic tradition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, his cousin, is cited as an example of cousin marriage within Islamic tradition.

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Quranic inheritance laws have historically provided a financial incentive for cousin marriage by facilitating the retention of property within the lineage.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Quranic provision granting daughters a share of inheritance could have financially incentivized cousin marriage by ensuring property remained within the same lineage.

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The Coptic Church in Egypt banned marriages between relatives in 2024, citing potential health risks associated with consanguinity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coptic Church in Egypt implemented a ban on marriages between relatives in 2024, citing concerns regarding potential health risks linked to consanguinity.

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What historical evidence supports the practice of cousin marriage in the Middle East prior to Islam?

Answer: Biblical texts mentioning Abraham's son Isaac marrying his cousin Rebekah and advice from King Ardashir I.

Explanation: Historical evidence includes biblical accounts of Isaac marrying his cousin Rebekah and the advice of Persian King Ardashir I favoring marriage with near relatives.

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How does the Quran address the practice of cousin marriage?

Answer: It permits cousin marriage, listing other prohibited relationships.

Explanation: The Quran lists prohibited relationships but does not include first cousins, thereby implicitly permitting cousin marriage.

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What action did the Coptic Church in Egypt take regarding cousin marriage in 2024?

Answer: Banned marriages between relatives, citing potential health risks.

Explanation: In 2024, the Coptic Church in Egypt banned marriages between relatives, citing potential health risks associated with consanguinity.

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What historical advice did the Persian king Ardashir I give regarding marriage?

Answer: To marry near relatives to maintain kinship sympathy.

Explanation: The Persian king Ardashir I advised marrying near relatives to foster and maintain kinship sympathy.

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How did Quranic inheritance laws potentially incentivize cousin marriage?

Answer: By allowing families to keep inherited property within the same lineage.

Explanation: Quranic inheritance laws, by granting daughters shares, could incentivize cousin marriage as a means to retain inherited property within the extended family lineage.

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Genetic Health Implications

Geneticists have expressed concerns that the long-term practice of cousin marriage has led to an increase in the incidence of recessive genetic disorders.

Answer: True

Explanation: Geneticists have warned that the centuries-old tradition of cousin marriage has led to an increased incidence of recessive genetic disorders due to inbreeding.

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The primary biological concern with marrying a close relative is the increased probability of parents carrying recessive genes for certain defects.

Answer: True

Explanation: The principal biological concern with consanguineous unions is the heightened likelihood of both parents carrying identical recessive genes, increasing the risk of genetic disorders in offspring.

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Data from 2017-2019 showed a higher infant mortality rate and a greater proportion of deaths from congenital anomalies among people of Pakistani ethnicity in the UK compared to the White British population.

Answer: True

Explanation: Recent data (2017-2019) indicates a higher infant mortality rate and a greater incidence of deaths from congenital anomalies among individuals of Pakistani ethnicity in the UK, linked to consanguinity.

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In Afghanistan, the high prevalence of cousin marriages is linked to a higher frequency of autosomal recessive genetic conditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The elevated rates of cousin marriages in Afghanistan correlate with a greater frequency of autosomal recessive genetic conditions.

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What is a primary concern raised by geneticists regarding the long-term practice of cousin marriage in the Middle East?

Answer: An increased incidence of recessive genetic disorders due to inbreeding.

Explanation: Geneticists express concern that prolonged cousin marriage increases the incidence of recessive genetic disorders due to the higher probability of shared recessive alleles.

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What is the primary biological impact of marrying a close relative, as highlighted in the article?

Answer: Increased probability of offspring inheriting recessive genetic disorders.

Explanation: The primary biological impact of marrying a close relative is the heightened probability of offspring inheriting recessive genetic disorders.

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What does the data on British Pakistanis suggest about the link between consanguinity and health outcomes?

Answer: Higher consanguinity rates are associated with higher infant mortality and more congenital anomalies.

Explanation: Data concerning British Pakistanis suggests a correlation between higher consanguinity rates and increased infant mortality, as well as a greater proportion of deaths attributed to congenital anomalies.

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Regional and National Variations

Cousin marriage has been practiced by various religious communities in the Middle East, not exclusively by Muslim populations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cousin marriage has also been practiced by Jewish and Arab Christian communities in the Middle East, indicating it is not exclusive to Muslim populations.

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In Qatar, research indicates that higher education and workforce participation for women are associated with lower rates of consanguineous marriage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research in Qatar suggests a correlation between increased female education and workforce participation and a decrease in consanguineous marriage rates.

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In Egypt, historical accounts from the 1830s suggest cousin marriage was more common in rural areas compared to Cairo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts from Egypt in the 1830s indicate that cousin marriage was more prevalent in rural areas than in Cairo.

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Cousin marriage rates in Iran have been decreasing since the Pahlavi era, particularly in urban centers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cousin marriage rates in Iran have shown a declining trend since the Pahlavi era, with urban centers exhibiting this decrease more prominently.

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In Lebanon, historically, cousin marriage rates were reported to be higher among Muslims than Christians.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, Lebanon has seen higher rates of cousin marriage among Muslim communities compared to Christian communities.

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Studies in Israel indicate that Druze communities have reported rates of consanguineous marriage that are often comparable to or higher than those in Muslim communities in certain regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Studies in Israel have shown that Druze communities often exhibit consanguineous marriage rates comparable to or exceeding those found in Muslim communities.

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In Turkey, consanguineous marriages are most commonly found in the Eastern Anatolia region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Consanguineous marriages in Turkey are most frequently observed in rural areas and the Eastern Anatolia region.

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In the Southern Caucasus, Armenians and Georgians consider cousin marriage a social taboo up to the seventh generation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Armenians and Georgians in the Southern Caucasus consider cousin marriage a social taboo extending up to the seventh generation.

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In Timbuktu, Mali, Arab populations show a preference for marrying their father's brother's daughter (FBD) over their mother's brother's daughter (MBD).

Answer: True

Explanation: In Timbuktu, Mali, Arab populations exhibit a preference for marrying their father's brother's daughter (FBD) over their mother's brother's daughter (MBD).

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Algeria reported significantly lower rates of consanguineous marriages (around 5-10%) compared to Sudan (around 44.2-63.3%).

Answer: True

Explanation: Algeria reported significantly lower rates of consanguineous marriages (5-10%) compared to Sudan (44.2-63.3%).

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In Afghanistan, first cousin marriages are the most common type of cousin marriage.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Afghanistan, first cousin marriages constitute the most common type of cousin marriage, followed by double first cousin and second cousin marriages.

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In Pakistan, there is a growing trend among young people to avoid cousin marriage due to increased awareness of genetic diseases.

Answer: True

Explanation: A trend is emerging among young Pakistanis to avoid cousin marriage, driven by heightened awareness of genetic diseases.

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In India, consanguineous marriage is most prevalent in the southern states, with Muslims showing higher rates than Hindus.

Answer: True

Explanation: In India, consanguineous marriage is most concentrated in the southern states, and Muslim communities exhibit higher rates than Hindu communities.

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Among the Berti people of Sudan, pragmatic reasons for cousin marriage include fostering warmer relations with the father-in-law and ensuring the wife's family is nearby.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pragmatic reasons for cousin marriage among the Berti people include strengthening ties with the father-in-law and keeping the wife's family in proximity.

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What range of cousin marriage rates has been observed in Egypt according to the provided data?

Answer: Rates ranging from 20.9% to approximately 40%.

Explanation: In Egypt, studies have reported cousin marriage rates ranging from 20.9% to approximately 40%.

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Which of the following factors has been linked to the decreasing trend of cousin marriage in Iran since the Pahlavi era?

Answer: Increased education, particularly for women.

Explanation: Increased educational attainment, especially among women, has been identified as a factor contributing to the decline in cousin marriage rates in Iran since the Pahlavi era.

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What is the relationship between higher education levels for women and cousin marriage rates in Qatar?

Answer: Higher education correlates with lower rates of cousin marriage.

Explanation: Research in Qatar indicates that increased education and workforce participation for women are associated with reduced rates of consanguineous marriage.

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What is a pragmatic reason cited for cousin marriage among the Berti people of Sudan?

Answer: To foster warmer relations with the father-in-law and keep the wife's family nearby.

Explanation: Pragmatic reasons for cousin marriage among the Berti include improving relations with the father-in-law and ensuring the wife's family remains accessible.

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What is the general trend of cousin marriage among young Pakistanis in recent years?

Answer: Decreasing due to increased awareness of genetic diseases.

Explanation: Younger Pakistanis are increasingly avoiding cousin marriage, influenced by greater awareness of potential genetic health consequences.

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In India, where is consanguineous marriage most concentrated?

Answer: Concentrated mainly in the southern states.

Explanation: In India, consanguineous marriage is most heavily concentrated in the southern states.

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Scholarly Theories and Analysis

Western anthropologists debate whether cousin marriage is a uniform characteristic across all Middle Eastern communities, with some emphasizing its prevalence and others noting significant regional variations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Western anthropologists have debated the significance of cousin marriage in the Middle East, with discussions focusing on whether it represents a uniform characteristic or if regional variations are more pronounced.

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Andrey Korotayev's theory posits that parallel-cousin (FBD) marriage became common in areas that were part of the Umayyad Caliphate, linked to Islamization and Arabization processes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Andrey Korotayev's research links the prevalence of parallel-cousin (FBD) marriage to the spread of the 8th-century Umayyad Caliphate and subsequent Islamization/Arabization.

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Ladislav Holý explains that the preference for FBD marriage in the Middle East primarily serves to reinforce agnatic solidarity and maintain family resources, rather than solely increasing social mobility through new alliances.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ladislav Holý posits that the preference for Father's Brother's Daughter (FBD) marriage in the Middle East primarily reinforces agnatic solidarity and preserves family resources.

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Raphael Patai differentiates 'complete' cousin marriage cultures by the presence of a formal 'right' for a paternal male cousin to marry his cousin.

Answer: True

Explanation: Patai defines 'complete' cousin marriage cultures by the existence of a formal 'right' for a paternal male cousin to marry his cousin, distinguishing them from cultures with mere preference.

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According to Andrey Korotayev's theory, what historical event or process is linked to the spread of parallel-cousin (FBD) marriage in the Islamic world?

Answer: The spread of the 8th-century Umayyad Caliphate and subsequent Islamization/Arabization.

Explanation: Korotayev's theory connects the prevalence of parallel-cousin (FBD) marriage to the expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate and the associated processes of Islamization and Arabization.

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According to Ladislav Holý, what does the preference for Father's Brother's Daughter (FBD) marriage in the Middle East primarily express?

Answer: An expression of agnatic solidarity and reinforcement of the male line.

Explanation: Holý posits that the preference for FBD marriage primarily signifies agnatic solidarity and the reinforcement of the patrilineal lineage.

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What is a key point of debate among Western anthropologists regarding cousin marriage in the Middle East?

Answer: Whether it is a defining characteristic of the region's kinship system versus emphasizing variations in rates.

Explanation: A central debate among Western anthropologists concerns whether cousin marriage should be viewed as a defining characteristic of Middle Eastern kinship systems or if the focus should be on the significant variations in its rates across different communities.

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