By Ghadeer Ghloum and Chidi Emmanuel
KUWAIT: Cousin marriage is the union between individuals who share a common set of grandparents. It has a long and complex history that varies across cultures. While it is practiced and accepted in certain regions of the world, it is viewed with skepticism and even outright disapproval in others. In this report, the Kuwait Times explores the controversy surrounding cousin marriage, lo oking at both its historical context and the ethical, cultural, and genetic arguments for and against its practice.
In Kuwait’s rich culture, cousin marriage has become a long-standing practice. While cousin marriage has its advantages, such as strengthening family connections, it also has some potential drawbacks. Exploring this, the Kuwait Times interviewed a therapist and psychologist, Jumanah Mohammad, a psychologist and consultant, Ali Taresh, and Zainab Ibrahim, a woman who married her cousin and other experts.
According to Mohammad, several studies indicate that marrying relatives based on customs and traditions may spark problems due to its complexities. Both Jumanah Mohammad and Ali Taresh pointed out that studies have shown that the likelihood of genetic diseases occurring through marrying relatives increases the likelihood of problems. This is due to the psychological discomfort, tension, and anxiety experienced by both parents.
Keeping it within the family
Jumanah also spoke about the motives behind marrying relatives. "It may be due to customs and traditions or to material goals - regarding family wealth and their inheritance, keeping that wealth within the family cycle. It could also be due to a sense of reassurance for both parties that they have complete knowledge and understanding of each other’s ethics due to proximity,” she added.
She mentioned a few examples of things individuals should consider when planning for a future family in the event of marrying a relative. "Individuals should have full freedom in choosing their life partner without being forced into a relationship with a relative. The choice should be based on complete conviction without oppressive interventions, following the proper principles of marriage, whether it is marrying relatives or others. Third-party interference should be avoided when conflicts arise between spouses. The couple should undergo medical examinations before marriage to avoid the possibility of children inheriting any genetic diseases,” she emphasized.
On his part, Taresh pointed out some questions people have to ask themselves before proceeding. "When considering such marriage, the individuals should ponder other things to ensure their full understanding of the potential challenges and benefits,” he said. He pointed out some of the issues and critical questions, which include:
Personal compatibility: Do you feel comfortable and compatible with the potential partner on a personal level? Cultural compatibility: Are there significant cultural differences between you, and how can they be addressed? Goals and values: Do you share common goals and values? Communication: Can you speak openly and have mutual understanding?
Family support: Is there support from both families for this marriage, or are there reservations? Readiness for challenges: Are you both prepared to face potential challenges, whether social, psychological, or otherwise? Future considerations: How do you envision the future of the relationship? Are there shared plans for the future?
Genetic health: Are you aware of potential health challenges due to genetic similarities, and how will you deal with them? "These are the general questions, but additional ones may arise based on culture and individual circumstances. Open dialogue and honesty in addressing these questions can help build a strong foundation for the relationship,” he added. Taresh further elaborated that psychologically, some individuals may experience social pressures due to familial expectations, leading to psychological stress, while others may find support and security in a close-knit family environment.
Zainab Ibrahim shared her experience of marrying a relative. Despite having children together, she is no longer a wife to her cousin. "After years of conflict, the involvement of our families in every issue only exacerbated the problems, leading to our divorce. Yet, the divorce did not provide a solution to the problems like it often does for couples who decide to part ways after finding it impossible to fix their issues. In fact, in my case, the problems grew bigger and beyond him and me. The divorce affected my relationship with the entire family. I strongly advise people to avoid cousin marriages,” Zainab lamented.
Contrary to Zaniab’s view, Dalal Yousef explored the merits of consanguine marriage. "It preserves family ties and strengthens familial bonds. Even though there are disadvantages, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages,” Dalal insisted.
"Actually, there are several benefits associated with cousin marriage that should be explored and understood apart from cultural preservation and social cohesion. Kuwait is a family-oriented society. We hardly mixed up with people we don’t know. So, is it easier to deal with a familiar face than a total stranger. When you marry within the family circle, it ensures the preservation and consolidation of wealth, land, or other resources, thus maintaining bonding and economic stability,” Sasah Rashid told the Kuwait Times. "Marrying within the same family circle reinforces social ties, communal identity, and gives you a sense of belonging,” she added.
Clement Edward, a medical practitioner, talked about the health challenges associated with consanguine marriages. "Cousin marriages can increase the risk of inherited genetic disorders and health complications in offspring. It is essential for the couples to examine their health concerns objectively. Consanguine marriages are associated with a higher likelihood of offspring inheriting genetic disorders due to the sharing of a common gene pool. It can heighten the risk of disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and various metabolic disorders,” he said.
"It is critical to weigh these advantages against society standards, individual autonomy, health and genetic risks, and other factors. In order to maintain cultural diversity and the general well-being of families, societies need to have candid and educated conversations about cousin marriage”, Clement said.