The incest taboo leads to exogamy, which is the practice of seeking a spouse outside one's own group, thereby encouraging wider social alliances. This taboo varies in its specifics across cultures, but its existence is nearly universal, suggesting it serves important social and biological functions, such as genetic diversity and social cohesion.

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The Incest Taboo

Question 20

Multiple Choice

The incest taboo:

A) leads to exogamy.
B) forbids marriage or sexual intercourse with the same set of relatives in all cultures.
C) is the rule that universally prevents cousin marriage.
D) applies only to sexual intercourse,not marriage.
E) has no apparent useful function in society.

Correct Answer: