I’m currently actively working on this in my PhD (I’m an Economist), which developed from one of my pre-PhD courses. I have a few different ideas and am currently applying for funding for them. Truthfully, this is not one of my core research interests but I think it’s relatively fertile ground for research/publication and I have some nice co-authors that I’m working with, so I don’t have to devote too much time to the topic.
A few points:
The negative biological effects seem to be severe where there is persistent cousin marriage. Otherwise it seems that the impact may not be too bad.
There’s some interesting work being done on potential interventions. For example, the link between education and cousin marriage and the link between a wealth shock and choice of spouse. My paper is proposing an intervention as well.
Here is a post of mine where I try to explore what a consaguinity-based intervention might look like, and what some of the benefits (cultural as well as health!) might be.
I’m currently actively working on this in my PhD (I’m an Economist), which developed from one of my pre-PhD courses. I have a few different ideas and am currently applying for funding for them. Truthfully, this is not one of my core research interests but I think it’s relatively fertile ground for research/publication and I have some nice co-authors that I’m working with, so I don’t have to devote too much time to the topic.
A few points:
The negative biological effects seem to be severe where there is persistent cousin marriage. Otherwise it seems that the impact may not be too bad.
Often the social benefits of consanguinity outweigh the biological disadvantages, particularly in rural regions. For example, some studies seem to show a reduction in domestic violence, greater female autonomy, closer family relations, better retirement etc.
Many of the existing studies are not particularly empirically sound. Lots of selection bias, poor stats, and questionable IVs.
Schulz et al. suggest there’s a link between reducing cousin marriage and democracy, which I find quite interesting (although some have critiqued this). There may also be a relationship between cousin marriage and lower long-run economic growth.
There’s some interesting work being done on potential interventions. For example, the link between education and cousin marriage and the link between a wealth shock and choice of spouse. My paper is proposing an intervention as well.
I should have added the following statement. If anyone would like a quick chat about researching cousin marriage, feel free to message me.
Caveat: I’m still fairly new to the topic (there’s a lot of non-econ literature) but can try to help wherever possible.
Here is a post of mine where I try to explore what a consaguinity-based intervention might look like, and what some of the benefits (cultural as well as health!) might be.