The prohibition of sexual relations between close relatives is one of the most universal human taboos. Social scientists have proposed several theories for its existence:
In almost every recorded culture, there exists some form of the "incest taboo." Anthropologists like Claude Lévi-Strauss argued that this taboo is not just a moral rule but a foundational element of civilization. By requiring individuals to find partners outside their immediate family (exogamy), societies ensure the creation of wider social networks and alliances. The prohibition of sexual relations between close relatives
: Prevents the heightened risk of genetic disorders and congenital defects in offspring. The prohibition of sexual relations between close relatives
