Genetic Problems Of The Cousin Marriages Sociology Essay

Genetic Problems Of The Cousin Marriages Sociology EssayScientists working on the inheritableal egressions of inbreeding argued that autosomal recessive gene increases homozygosity and produce mal inningations which argon a green occasion of cardiovascular, central nervous system, urogenital, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, skeletal, cutaneous, and also multiple malformations (5 page 14). Similarly, Bundey and Alam base postneonatal mortality and childhood morbidity in the offspring of consanguineous Pakistani parents (6). Ahmed, et al (1) set hemoglobinopathies as a major transmitted problem among Pakistani first cousin-german-german-german couples. The research- team studied 15 families carrying hemoglobin and eight control families without the history of a hemoglobin disorders. The scientists in this study found that the cousin couples carry -thalassemia and 0.5 to 1 percent carry hemoglobin S or hemoglobin E. The infants of the cousin couples touch ratio is 1.3 per 10 00 live births, and according to the study infants present -thalassemia. The ratio of genetic disorders among the children of the control couple was lower than the cousin wedding partys couple. Bullock and Khalid (4) found increase risk of low intelligence, mental instability, sickle-cell anaemia and cystic fibrosis among the children of the cousin couples. Bittles (2) argued that various types of genetic disorders pee-pee been reported to be more common among consanguineous children. For modeling congenital disorders including neural tube and congenital heart defects were reported. According to Bittles Autosomal recessive hearing loss disorders and visual defects such as early-onset retinal dystrophies, first congenital glaucoma and anophthalmos also are present at increased prevalence (2 page 95) among the children of the consanguineous spouses. These inbreeding studies are conducted among the Pakistani ethnic diaspora communities quick in the westward countries. However, th ere is a dearth of inbreeding studies within the Pakistani society.However, second perspective (8, 9) argued that the chances of the genetic disorders are low and exaggerated. This perspective claimed that there are lower chances of the genetic disorders and that the media has stigmatized ethnic minority groups which alienated the biotic community from mainstream westbound society1.Socio- Genetic ProblemsGenetic ProblemsSocial ProblemsCongenital malformationsLearning difficulties,hearing impairment, infant mortality, morbidity, long barrier disability, increase birth prevalence, blindnessCardiovascular diseaseAsthma/ eczemaSingle-gene disorders (neurological disorders)Cerebral palsyDown syndromeMetabolic disordersSpontaneous abortion or infertilitycystic fibrosisUrogenitalOphthalmicGastrointestinalSkeletalCutaneousHemoglobinThalassaemiaFig 1 Genetic and kindly incommodes found in relevant literatureHence, it is claimed (10) that the chances of a 4 % health risk are possible among the non- copulation espousals. The chances of unrelated cousins are also high and there is nothing signifi tint on cousin marriage offsprings (11). Genetic effects appear in later age and are overtly emphasized on the basis of medical examination justification (9). Thus, it can be seen from the above contestation on genetics that the problem exists and the main cause is the consanguineous marriages. This is accelerating debate among medical healers, geneticists and other health professionals within the Western countries about populations carrying genetic disorders and being stigmatized on medical grounds. However, this debate is nor prevalent within the countries where cousin marriages occur on a large scale.1.2 Cultural traditions of the cousin marriagesConsanguineous marriages constitute from 20 to 60 % of all marriages (9, 12). Worldwide 8.5% of child births are from consanguineous couples (9,12 ). Ten percent of worldwide congenital and genetic disorders are imputable t o these marriages. In the Middle East and parts of Japan, and South Asia the marriages are governing. Nevertheless, the absolute majority ratio is in the Middle East (30 %) and in Pakistan (40 %) (1). Such marriages are under criticism in Europe and America get on common in Asia, Africa and Middle East (4, 7).A number of factors are listed in favour of cousin marriages for instance property preservation within the like well-disposed group, socio-cultural concerns of the cousins, blood ties maintenance, purification of family and association among the similar group (5). The marriages are a closed network of relatives, and they form socio-political alliances. The marriages are a source of social welfare and strong ties between the cousins that forms a kinship structure (12, 13). This pattern of marriage is customary in the Middle East and pre-dominantly in Muslim societies, especially Pakistan. There is growing argument and debate over the issues, caused by the genetics problems w hich are originating mainly through cousin marriages. The perceptions of genetic problems are over- emphasized in the developed nations ( collect to the technology, medical treatment available and cognisance of the genetic issues) and with less in force(p) concern in the developing countries which could not afford the technology and cost of medicament. Therefore, there is a need to know, how and where the problem lies and what impact it has on child health care.1.3 generalism and indigenous noesis of cousin marriagesCosmopolitanism is the notion that all human beings share a similar moral and scientific normative system (14, 15). The global acquaintance is the common body of friendship across the discipline and geographical boundaries. In this paper cosmopolitan knowledge I used as scientific debate on the cousin marriages. The term indigenous knowledge refers to ethnic and cultural perceptions of the people in a particular region which share origins and a common feeling sys tem. Cosmopolitan knowledge is a lesser debated issue among the common man in developing countries, like Pakistan, where cousin marriages prevail on a large scale. Does the cosmopolitan knowledge of congenital disorders undermine the indigenous perspectives of the belief system in the community of Kabirwala (Pakistan)? The study is aims to understand the genetic problems due to cousin marriages and the peoples perceptions of cousin marriages (daughter/ sister exchange for spouse selection) and the impact on congenital diseases. This is an effort to know how cosmopolitan knowledge differs with the indigenous perceptions of congenital diseases among the families who are living under a woman exchange system (among cousins) and how the system is affecting child health care and why health services are otiose to handle the issue within the cultural context.2. Research designI was working on my research project exchange marriage system in Kabirwala, a town in Pakistan. During the fieldwor k, I found the blind and disabled persons whose parents were marry on the basis of the exchange marriage.Fig 2 Respondents level of the study2I conducted interviews in a village of Kabirwala with the spouses who were espouse with cousins, their children to know the issue of genetic and their perceptions about the issue. The data was analyzed in line with Grounded Theory Method. This regularity develops the categories from the data (19, 20, 21). I developed the concepts and categories from the interviews. I interpreted and elaborated the data relevant to genetic problems for understanding the issue and categorized the data according to the themes. relevant reports, articles were used to strengthen the findings of the primary data (16, 17, 18).3. ResultsI categories the results into below categories2.1 Destiny and Luck cousin marriages and congenital diseasesMehboob357 year old male is married with his cousin Rubia, 42 years. Rubia has nominal education. The couple have 11 childre n (3 sons and 8 daughters), and one child (Rakha in Fig 3) died one month afterwards birth. Among the 11 children, two (Tahir and Najma) are blind and one child (Mehwi) has a hearing problem. The couple called it a matter of taqdeer (destiny) and argued that two children are blind due to their sin and one had died because us kay din poray ho gaye thay (he has finished his life means he has only this life given by God).Fig 3 Family of MehboobWhen I asked, was this not a genetic problem?, the respondents replied that it was Gods will and this was the reason for his sons death. It is a matter of luck, destiny and genetics has minor role to play, explained the respondents.2.2 Religious laterality and genetic problemsAslam, a 57- year old man has different views about the genetic issues and he argues that genetic issues are not factual ones, and that the Prophets daughter was married with Ali (the cousin of Prophet Muhammad). He explains it is not possible that cousin marriage has pro blems and that the Prophet did not forbid it. People believe that the religious interpretation is the real one, and it is Allah who gives and solves genetic problems.The family has authority to arrange the marriages and enjoy in return obedience of the son/daughter. It encourages the elders to be conformist with the local traditions and follow the traditional norms to regulate cousin network. However, a 29-year, Kalsoom a female, argued that parents control the decision-making authority because they want to rule their offspring. She tells that religion has given authority to parents but they should use this authority in a protective(predicate) manner. She explains that genetics has no link with cousin marriage. The respondent claimed it is God who does whatever HE wants. Nevertheless, Kabir, a 33- year male believes that cousin marriages are as a source of security, stability, strength and unity.2.3 Consanguineous marriages and formation of social capitalCousin marriages determined the level of the kinship involvement in the Kabirwala community. Marriage with nearest relative is preferred. The relationship between in-laws extends beyond the couple. If a marriage is successful, it will be followed by others between the two families. Fig 4 indicates the some ratios of alternatives.Fig 4 Marriage patternsCousin links, formed through marriages persist and are reinforced through the generations.The foremost source of the marriage proposal is within the lineage (22). It is found in this study (see Fig 5).Fig 5 Marriage trendsThe cousin marriages form a kind of social capital because the relatives are responsible to go forth for a person in need. These cousins help, support and maintain the social security of a person in Pakistan.2.4 Public health problem the gaps between knowledge and indigenous belief systemAkram, a 50- year male respondent elaborated his account and tell, his children are more beautiful than his brothers because he was married with his cousin and his brother was married with someone other than cousins. He mentioned that it was due to his own genes that his (spouse) gave birth to beautiful children. However, Kalim a 30-year, male disagreed with the above argument and he said it was marriage of his cousins that has given a blind child. Akram is a single case so whose generalization is not possible. Some young and educated respondents have awareness about the cousin marriages and genetics problems. Rabia, 25 years, a single, female respondent mentioned that cousin marriages creates zahanat ki kami (less intellect), kamzori (physical-weakness), zahni bemari (abnormality), and apas main gharello jahgrey (domestic conflicts). Although there is evidence of blind and disabled children from cousin marriages. This appears to be with medical research on the subjects. There is nominal awareness among the people of the genetic issues. The community is not aware about role of the genetic disorders. If anybody in the community has know ledge they negate it due to the belief system.Cultural opportunities and constraintsOpportunitiesConstraintsPurification of the familyFamily conflict, less knowledge of congenital disorders, lack of research, lack of awareness, lack of medical treatment infrastructure availability in the community of Kabirwala, lack of counseling opportunities, paternal authority, superstitionsStrengthen kinship tiesAvailability of the spouses within familySupport for woman attitudeBetter relations with in-lawsOld age careStable marriagesProperty preservationPreservation of land fragmentationLess stigmaLoosening ties brings social problemsPolitical alliancesFig 6 Comparison of opportunities and constraints2.5 Policy steps to handle the issue of consanguineous marriagesThere is a dearth of the research in the community of Kabirwala with reference to the cousin marriages and the probability of genetic diseases. The scientists working in the field of inbreeding have an opportunity to study the commun ity which has a chain of cross-cousin marriages from generations. The inbreeding scientists may be able to find some significant results about the chain of genetic diseases the following policy steps are suggested.1) Genetic problems are considered an important issue among the scientists and less concern among the people as the present study shows. The people in the community of Kabirwala believe that disease is a matter of destiny and luck. They do not know that there is a possibility of positive relationship between the genetic disorders and the marriages. It is possible to provide education to the people. It would be helpful to issue the issue to the school syllabus.2) The local imam (religious preacher) could spread awareness of the issue in their Friday-sermons. The imam is a person who may effectively convince the people, because the majority of the people could not read and write. The people believe the religious teachings. These illiterate people could be influenced through the cultural specific ports and means. This is an easy way for the health professional to convince the local imam about the possible inherited diseases so that he is a catalyst of social change. Short weather measures are also possible to sensitize the people through media and stage-drama. However, these measure are likely not sustainable because the media is either restricted or without due credibility to spread such kind of information.3) Counselling services create awareness if they can be delivered to the remote communities like Kabirwala. However, there is no counselor-at-law service available in the community of Kabirwala yet.4) Legislation is a last step to ban the cousin marriages. But the ban on cousin marriage will be counter productive in this cultural context where breaking the law is considered as fashion and symbol of superiority. Non-conformity indicates a high social status in this community.3. Discussion and conclusionCosmopolitan knowledge has diagnosed two dis tinctive problems among the Pakistani cousin marriage couples, hemoglobin and thalassaemia. However, the hemoglobin is the main genetic trouble among Pakistani ethnic people (1, 4, 23, 25, 26). Human biological diseases are crucial one and need proper attention from health professionals and policy makers within the cultural and religious setting. A significant factor of cousin marriage is protection of property, to avoid land fragmentation and to maintain the close family ties and reassurance of the bride (5 page 13). This is similar to work by Shaw (24) which argues that social environment and religious belief has affected the prenatal diagnosis.Cousin marriages are stable and have a low divide rate among first cousins (10) and have a strong socio-economic impact on the traditional family system in Pakistan. These traditional marriages are cousin, caste and endogamy marriages. The marriages form a single fabric, and if violated can harm marriage patterns with serious moral-decay c onsequently emerging (5, 25, 26). Thus, the present debate has a strong affect on the exchange marriages, which are overwhelmingly cousin marriages and has a negative affect on the public health. In my data, despite of the fact that respondents have education they have less knowledge about this issue. The community is lacking lively debate on the problem. Genetically disorders, visible from the health conditions, are likely to happen among the community.Cosmopolitan perspectiveIndigenous perspectivePhysical incapacityExaggerated issue, stigmatized issue, qismat (luck) and taqdeer (destiny), child beauty, children are integratedMental incapacityHarmfulChronic disorderFatwa (an important ruling on a point of Islamic law)Fig 7 Cosmopolitan and indigenous perspectiveContrary, indigenous belief and attitudes have pointed to a few concerns less awareness of the genetic issues, knowledge and facilities availability. The people in the community of Kabirwala believe that genetics problems h ave a negative relationship with the cousin marriages. This is the issue of a Western society and has less validity in Pakistani society. It is matter of destiny and luck and not a medical concern. Kabir explains does western medicine ever stop a person to dying? This indicates apathy towards the genetic phenomenon where has less validity in the community. Therefore, the study found the evidence that cosmopolitan knowledge has no relevance with the indigenous belief system based on the above data.Culture centred techniques to cope with these problems reduce chances of cousin marriages. For example, if a local imam/ molvi or the school syllabus stresses these. There are chances to reduce the possibility of the cousin marriages in coming generations. However, this is the turning point to convince the community to assume and handle the issue with proper strategy. This is an open choice for the public and the health professional able where with proper facilitation and information can a ttract the public effectively. A failure to tackle the issue in a culturally specific manner could betray the health professional.The current study found that community knowledge, belief and indigenous practices are the main causes responsible for the prevalence of cousin marriages in Kabirwala. These factors are also the stumbling-blocks in making the indigenous knowledge compatible with the cosmopolitan knowledge. Therefore, there are few concerns among the Kabirwala community about the genetic problems which way occur. They feel protected by their system of beliefs. Notion of luck and destiny is dominant in indigenous knowledge.