Although there is risk in close marriages, however, genetic counselling offers the solution.

Prof Dr. Abdullah G Arijo

My brother, Ghulam Asghar, had three daughters who suffered from Thalassemia, a genetic disorder resulting from cousin marriages. Tragically, the first daughter passed away at age 13, the second at age 11, and the third at just six months. I advised my brother several times to consider breaking the cycle of cousin marriages and instead seek a partner outside the family. Eventually, he took my advice, marrying a woman from a Pashtun family. Together, they had one healthy son and four daughters. Though my brother has since passed away, his children continue to thrive and enjoy good health.

Ali Bahadur, Abdul Qadir, and Azizullah are members of our family tree. Unfortunately, they have all faced challenges with fertility and have not been able to have children despite 23 years of trying. When I consider their wealth, it reveals their mindset and inability to break away from the confines of the cousin circle. A cousin marriage is a marriage where the spouses are cousins (i.e. people with common grandparents or who share other fairly recent ancestors). The practice was common in earlier times and continues to be common in some societies today, though in some jurisdictions such marriages are prohibited.

Cousin marriages have been a part of human history across various cultures and societies.

Tradition and Family Bonds

Cousin marriages are deeply rooted in tradition and cultural values. They serve as a way to maintain family ties and consolidate social relationships. When cousins marry, it can foster a sense of unity, as the families involved already share a common background. Throughout history, cousin marriages have been widespread. These unions were often formed to Solidify family bonds, and preserve wealth and assets within the family, Strengthen political ties.

Many societies, especially non-Western ones, have embraced cousin marriages as a norm.

Cousin marriage practices have evolved due to the decline in Western countries: The prevalence of first-cousin marriage in Western countries has declined since the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, there is strong Favor in the Middle East and South Asia: In contrast, cousin marriage remains strongly favored in the Middle East and South Asia.

Reasons for Favoring Cousin Marriages are cultural values

To keep cultural values intact, wealth preservation geographic proximity to stay close geographically to save tradition and family structure relationship with In-Laws, to foster a closer relationship between the wife and her in-laws is also a consideration.

Genetic Considerations

Children of first-cousin marriages have a slightly increased risk (4-6%) of autosomal recessive genetic disorders compared to children of unrelated parents (3% risk).

Interestingly, a study in Iceland found that more children and grandchildren were produced from marriages between third or fourth cousins than from other degrees of separation.

In summary, cousin marriages have complex implications, touching upon tradition, family bonds, and health considerations. Opinions vary widely, but understanding the historical context and cultural perspectives is essential when discussing this topic.

Cousin marriages, also known as consanguineous marriages, have both social and genetic consequences, but who cares? Children born to close biological relatives, such as first cousins, have a higher risk of inheriting genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities.

Genetic Risks: The primary concern against cousin marriages is the risk of inbreeding, which can lead to harmful genetic conditions. However, this risk varies based on specific populations and families. In most cases, cousin marriages are safe, but exceptions exist.  Cousin marriage is often considered good for the reason, that the family bond becomes stronger.

Read: Marriage between Relatives – A Survey Report

Cousin marriages, a practice where spouses are close blood relatives, have woven themselves into the fabric of human history. From ancient times to the present day, these unions have sparked both fascination and controversy. In this article, we delve into the world of cousin marriages, focusing on their prevalence in Pakistani society, the underlying motivations, and the multifaceted consequences.

The Pakistani Context

Research conducted at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad reveals a striking statistic: more than half of Pakistan’s population marries their first cousin. This practice isn’t unique to Pakistan; it resonates globally in various cultures. However, Pakistan stands out with an astonishing 55-60% of first-cousin marriages.

Preserving Wealth and Traditions

For Pakistani families, marrying within the family ensures that wealth and inheritance remain tightly knit. It also safeguards cultural norms and traditions. The belief persists that a daughter within the family will dutifully care for her husband’s kin due to her multiple relationships with in-laws.

Historical Context

In bygone eras, especially in villages and small towns, limited education and employment opportunities restricted the chances of meeting potential spouses outside the family. Arranged marriages were the norm, and considering matches within the family was pragmatic.

British Pakistani Communities

Migrating to the UK, British Pakistanis grapple with preserving their cultural identity. Marrying back home within the family becomes a lifeline to their roots, bridging the gap between the two worlds.

The Dark Side: Genetic Risks

While cousin marriages have their cultural and social justifications, they also carry significant risks:

Inbreeding and Genetic Disorders

The primary concern lies in inbreeding, which elevates the risk of harmful genetic conditions. Although most cousin marriages are safe, exceptions exist. Children born to close biological relatives face a higher likelihood of inheriting disorders like Thalassemia, a condition that afflicted your brother’s daughters.

Taboos and Stigma

Cousin marriages often bear the weight of societal judgment. Yet, despite growing awareness, some families persist in this tradition, unaware of the tragic consequences.

Real-Life Stories

My brother’s journey exemplifies the impact of breaking the cycle. By marrying outside the family, he welcomed a healthy son and four daughters. Their thriving health stands as a testament to the power of choice.

However, Ali Bahadur, Abdul Kadir, and Azizullah—members of your family tree—struggle with fertility despite 23 years of trying. Their wealth mirrors their mindset, revealing the struggle to break free from the cousin circle.

Conclusion

Cousin marriages remain a complex interplay of tradition, genetics, and societal norms. As we navigate this delicate terrain, let us weigh the costs and benefits, acknowledging that every choice shapes lives beyond our own.

Although there is risk in close marriages, however, genetic counselling offers the solution.

Genetic counselling is the process of helping individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic disorders. A genetic counsellor, or other healthcare professional, will collect personal and family health history to determine the likelihood of a genetic condition. The counsellor can then help decide if a genetic test is right for the individual or family member.

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Prof. (R) Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is Advisor and Visiting Professor, SBBUVAS, Sakrand, Pakistan. He is Ex-Chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University and Ex-Advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor SAU Tandojam

READ: THE PARROT PROBLEM