Understanding the Complexity of Incest Through History and Society

Incest, or sexual relations between family members, was more common in ancient societies for various reasons, including maintaining royal bloodlines and property within families, as seen in Egyptian and Incan dynasties.

Despite historical occurrences, the incest taboo is almost universal. Anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss suggested that this taboo underpins the formation of human culture by promoting wider social relationships through marriage rules.

Sexual interactions between close kin can increase the risk of genetic disorders. The Habsburg jaw, a deformity from inbreeding, exemplifies these consequences, highlighting a natural deterrent to incest.

Today, incest is criminalized in many countries due to moral, social, and genetic considerations. Laws vary, but typically cover direct relatives, with some extending to cousins.

Incest can have severe psychological repercussions, including trauma, confusion of familial roles, and trust issues. Victims often suffer long-term emotional and mental health problems.

Literature and media have depicted incestuous relationships, sometimes romanticizing them, as seen in 'Game of Thrones'. These representations can influence public perception but don't reflect societal norms.

Reliable data on incest is scarce due to underreporting. However, estimates suggest that incest is much less common today, with increased awareness and prevention measures reducing occurrences.