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[Endogamy and consanguinity in Mauritania]
Abdelmajid Hammami1, Mohamed Elgazzeh, Noureddine Chalbi
1Faculté des Sciences de Tunis.
La Tunisie Medicale
|May 11, 2005
Summary
Mauritanian ethnic groups exhibit high rates of consanguineous marriages, particularly among Wolofs and Poulards. However, a declining trend in these marriages was observed across the population between 1921 and 1991.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Consanguineous marriages are prevalent in many societies.
- Understanding marriage patterns is crucial for genetic and demographic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze marriage types, frequency, and consanguinity intensity in Mauritanian ethnic groups.
- To evaluate variations in these dimensions over time.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2413 couples using the quota method.
- Examination of marriage data from 1921 to 1991.
Main Results:
- Strong family endogamy (47.20%) observed in the Mauritanian population.
- High consanguinity rates: Wolofs (74.47%), Poulards (55.74%), Maures (41.25%), Soninkes (46.99%), Black Maures (30.52%).
- Apparent coefficients of consanguinity indicate unions between unequal cousins (1/32 to 1/64).
- A declining tendency in consanguineous marriages observed from 1921 to 1991.
Conclusions:
- Mauritanian ethnic groups display significant consanguinity.
- Despite high rates, a decrease in consanguineous marriages is evident over time.