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Trends in consanguinity in South India
S Krishnamoorthy1, N Audinarayana
1Department of Population Studies, Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|April 4, 2001
Summary
Consanguinity in South India shows a decline in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, while remaining high in Karnataka and very low in Kerala. This trend is expected to continue due to demographic shifts.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Human Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Consanguinity, or marriage between relatives, is a significant factor influencing genetic diversity and public health.
- South India exhibits varying patterns of consanguineous marriages, influenced by cultural and social norms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in consanguinity across South Indian states using the 1992-93 National Family Health Survey data.
- To identify regional variations and temporal changes in consanguineous marriage practices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1992-93 National Family Health Survey.
- Analyzed marriage patterns and calculated the coefficient of inbreeding in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Main Results:
- Kerala shows very low consanguinity rates, with the absence of uncle-niece marriages.
- Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu exhibit a notable decline in consanguinity over the past decades.
- Karnataka shows no significant change in consanguinity over the last 30-40 years, with high rates.
Conclusions:
- The decline in consanguinity in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is likely to persist due to ongoing demographic and social transformations.
- Regional disparities in consanguinity trends highlight the complex interplay of cultural practices and modernization in South India.