Consanguinity and Marriage Selection in a Developing Society: A Case Study of Three Generations in Qatari Society

This study investigates the social and cultural context behind three generations of families in Qatar and the marriage selections that comprise them. The analysis focuses on the relationship between consanguineous marriage and the selection of a marriage partner. This project utilized a mixed-methods approach: A set of in-depth case studies explore the experiences of families that practice consanguineous marriage and the reasons for its ongoing prevalence. Data were also collected via semi-structured interviews with Qatari couples (n = 195 married people) in which spouses also had kinship relations. Additional qualitative data were also collected and analyzed using an inductive approach. The results reveal that consanguineous marriage is deeply rooted in contemporary Qatari society, especially between cousins and relatives on the father’s side. These marriages are seen to achieve genealogical and social objectives related to the preservation of familial social standing, to the integrity of the clan, and even the integrity of the tribe. The findings also indicate a high degree of satisfaction between spouses in these consanguineous marriages. Overall, this study helps to advance our knowledge of kinship and contemporary manifestations of consanguineous marriage observed in some Arab societies.