What if humans could no longer impregnate relatives?

[MayorReynolds]

What if humans evolved to the point where sperm could no longer fertilize an egg with the same or similar DNA? Would this decrease the incest taboo? Would it also make people more eager to fuck their relatives because not being able to get them pregnant lessens the risk?

 

[Hypoxia]

What if humans evolved to the point where sperm could no longer fertilize an egg with the same or similar DNA? Would this decrease the incest taboo? Would it also make people more eager to fuck their relatives because not being able to get them pregnant lessens the risk?

It would take applied genetic design, not evolution. AFAIK no DNA-based lifeform has evolved such a capability. Indiscriminate rather than restricted breeding seems a better survival mechanism. I suspect redesigning human DNA for that property would be rather difficult. And the resultant creature might no longer be 'human' as we know it.

Human incest taboos are social, not biological, and vary widely among subcultures. Banned matings in some times and places are tolerated or even expected elsewhere. Up to 60% of marriages in some parts of the world are between relatives with only 2nd degree (uncle-niece) or 3rd degree (first cousins) separation. Incest bans in many USA states cover folks with NO genetic ties such as step-kin and in-laws.

I just wrote a piece titled WHAT IS INCEST? that I will submit Real Soon Now. Stay tuned.

 

[DisreputableDan]

It would take applied genetic design, not evolution. AFAIK no DNA-based lifeform has evolved such a capability.

Google 'self-incompatability' - it's a plant strategy to promote outcrossing

 

[hilton1958]

Ok, all the scientific answers aside, I figure you would get a helluva lot more people fucking their sisters, cousins etc, it stands to reason.

 

[DesEsseintes]

What if humans evolved to the point where sperm could no longer fertilize an egg with the same or similar DNA? Would this decrease the incest taboo? Would it also make people more eager to fuck their relatives because not being able to get them pregnant lessens the risk?

Alabama and Norfolk would quickly depopulate.

 

[FantasySharer1]

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[Rufus_the_Lame]

I accept your premise Major...

However, what about the risk of STD? instead postulate a world where inbreeding doesn't increase the risk of genetic deformities and mutations. Therefore the stigma may be decreased.

Also postulate a world where Judaeo-Christian/Islamic thinking isn't so prevalent. The Laws of Moses as written Leviticus; which prevent such unions, no longer influence social thinking. The ancient Egyptians were particularly fond of unions within a family unit, and it was this ancient custom that the ancient Hebrews were reacting against.

Then you have to overcome the barrier of natural attraction. Yes I am excited by the idea of incest, but I am not physically attracted to any of my relatives. Well except for one second cousin who I barely see, but you see my point. Just because it is possible, doesn't mean that two people who are related would necessarily want to have sex.

I'm guessing I would also have the same kind of luck with my relatives as I do with the rest of the female population, lol. "I'm sorry I just don't think of you in that way, but I hope we can always be mother and son"

 

[bunny4med]

the risk of pregnancy has nothing to do with i sleep with my brother or not. birth control has come a long way from the rhythm days.

 

[Hans101]

the risk of pregnancy has nothing to do with i sleep with my brother or not. birth control has come a long way from the rhythm days.

Yep.

There are sexual/romantic relationships that should never produce children. Incestuous relationships are one example. Other examples include couples where both people are carriers for Tay Sachs or some other deadly genetic disorder.

Preventing pregnancy is not difficult. If the relationship is a life-long and monogamous one, then surgical sterilization will put the problem to rest for good.

 

[bunny4med]

my brother got snipped to prevent any accidents. that didn't increase or decrease anything between us.

 

[jordanhipster]

my brother got snipped to prevent any accidents. that didn't increase or decrease anything between us.

does your husband know?

Or is he the other doctor that you sleep with and wake each other up for action?

 

[sevenalllin]

the risk of pregnancy has nothing to do with i sleep with my brother or not. birth control has come a long way from the rhythm days.

 

[bunny4med]

does your husband know?

Or is he the other doctor that you sleep with and wake each other up for action?

my hubby is my brother who is a doctor.

 

[Hans101]

my hubby is my brother who is a doctor.

I love how you define him as both your husband and your brother.

 

[beingtrue2me]

Alabama and Norfolk would quickly depopulate.

Having been raised in Va. I almost took exception......if I weren't snickering.

 

[MatthewVett]

You'd still have the Westermarck Effect, though. I don't think fear of pregnancy is what keeps most people from fucking relatives...

 

[Woolmohair]

We'll all be fuckin' cousins by the ton. Family gatherings will take on a whole new meaning in many circles.

 

[Hypoxia]

Google 'self-incompatability' - it's a plant strategy to promote outcrossing

Aha, thanks! Okay, so numerous angiosperms, and sessile hermaphroditic animals like sea squirts, developed protein coding to prevent inbreeding. Therefore human DNA could likely be engineered / kludged with similar mechanisms. But would the resultant 'humans' be sessile hermaphrodites? Some LIT readers probably are already. But I digress.

Suppose: Mad scientist / sinister govt lab develops a self-incompatability (SI) DNA sequence transmitted by an engineered airborne virus. They release it secretly (don't ask me why) but news leaks out -- the whole world soon learns that incest is now genetically 'safe'. What happens?

Millions or billions will turn away from Judeo-Xian-Muslim faiths with their incest bans, right? In LIT fantasyland, sure. But let us hasten the process. A consequence of that SI sequence is to eliminate the Westermarck Effect -- families can now see close kin as sexual animals. Where is your god NOW??

Now the LIT story problem is to avoid underage incest. So let's say the DNA sequence (or at least the Westermarck nullifier) only kicks in when one is 18. Better yet, the Westermarck Effect is *enhanced* in those under 18. Minors will not even want sex. Whew -- we can write those stories for LIT now.

Olivia turns 18. She becomes aware that Daddy and his (and her) brothers are sexy beasts. Get it on! Clyde turns 18; his thoughts turn to Oh Mommy! Non-identical twin siblings who have bickered for years reach majority and pheromones drive them together. The Ozark Plateau explodes with fuckfests -- then it spreads worldwide. Hmmm, I could write a storyline similar to A Fall of Stardust (where all the world's clothing disappears) for that one. [/me takes notes]