Trends in consanguinity in South India

Type Journal Article - Journal of biosocial science
Title Trends in consanguinity in South India
Author(s)
Volume 33
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2001
Page numbers 185-197
URL http://journals.cambridge.org/production/action/cjoGetFulltext?fulltextid=67788
Abstract
This study uses data from the 1992–93 National Family Health Survey to assess trends in consanguinity in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, the frequency of consanguineous marriages is very low and one type of preferred marriage of the Dravidian marriage system – uncle–niece marriage – is conspicuously absent. In the other states of South India, consanguinity and the coefficient of inbreeding are high. While no change in consanguinity is observed during the past three to four decades in Karnataka, a definite decline is observed in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Due to recent changes in the demographic and social situation in these states, this decline in consanguinity is likely to continue.

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