Good Samaritans

Christian Century, Jan 11, 2003

GOOD SAMARITANS: Endogamy, or inbreeding, is typically thought to lead to genetic disaster. Not so, according to Steve Olson (Mapping Human History, Houghton Mifflin). For example, by the end of the 19th century the Samaritan population had dropped to about 150 people. They've grown again to a community of more than 600--in Israel and the West Bank--but they still strictly forbid mixed marriages.

Most Samaritans many a first or second cousin. They do have some genetic problems, but no more than the general population (a few experience deafness or a movement disorder). And other groups that practice endogamy don't have more than average genetic problems, though the genetic problems they have are unique to their own history. Olson argues that the taboo against inbreeding is a Western one; in many Asian and African countries marriage between cousins is common.