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Matrimonial distance, inbreeding coefficient and population size: Dhangar data
Annals of Human Biology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Matrimonial distance, the distance between spouses' birthplaces, was studied in 2,260 individuals from Maharashtra, India. Mean matrimonial distance better predicts inbreeding levels than population size, reflecting socio-cultural norms.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Genetics
- Population Studies
Background:
- Matrimonial distance and inbreeding are influenced by socio-cultural factors.
- Understanding spatial patterns of marriage is crucial for population genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution of matrimonial distances in endogamous castes.
- To investigate the relationship between matrimonial distance, population size, and inbreeding.
- To explore regional variations in marriage patterns and their socio-cultural correlates.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 2,260 married individuals across 21 endogamous castes in Maharashtra, India.
- Analysis of matrimonial distance distribution (positively skewed, leptokurtic).
- Correlation analysis between inbreeding coefficient, mean matrimonial distance, and population size.
Main Results:
- Matrimonial distance distribution is highly positively skewed and leptokurtic.
- Intra-village marriages and inbreeding coefficients decrease from southern to northern Maharashtra.
- Mean matrimonial distance is a stronger predictor of inbreeding than population size.
Conclusions:
- Marriage patterns and inbreeding levels in the Dhangar cast-cluster align with regional socio-cultural norms.
- Matrimonial distance is a key factor in understanding gene flow and inbreeding in endogamous populations.
- Spatial variations in marriage practices reflect underlying social structures.