Literature Review on Cousin Marriages

Literature review: Research on cousin marriages as seen in the light of the individual right to decide about one's own life.

The review will systematise and analyse existing research knowledge on cousin marriages, in light of the individual right to decide about one's own life. Furthermore, the review aims to show gaps in existing knowledge needed to prevent or limit the future occurrence of cousin marriages, in light of the right to decide about one’s own life. We also seek to identify research environments with a special competence in the field.

Over the past 20 years, increasing attention has been directed toward topics such as forced marriages, honour related violence, and negative social control. Many different stakeholders have contributed to the fact that Norway today has advanced legislation, measures and assistance as compared to other countries. Over the years, understanding of the extension and complexity of the issue has increased. Cousin marriages have frequently been used as examples in the debate on forced marriage, and it has been argued cousin marriages as a traditionally desired form of marriage may affect the ability and scope of young people to decide about their own lives.

The Ministry of Education and Research now wishes to obtain an overview of existing research knowledge on cousin marriages, with particular emphasis on the connection between cousin marriages and the right to decide about one's own life.