Abstract:

Abstract Consanguinity, endogamy and exogamy are phenomena derived from the couple choosing process and from the formation of marriages and family. It is considered that in a balanced society must be an equilibrium between endogamic and exogamic orientations. It is not known the endogamy or exogamic orientation, neither the consanguinity levels, in Holguín society between the XVIII and XIX centuries. Aim: To characterize the consanguinity, endogamy and exogamy in Holguín society between the XVIII and XIX centuries, an historical demographic study was conducted. Methods: Several documentary sources were used and the reliability of the information was assured through the triangulation of sources. Results: The consanguinity index derived from marital dispensations corresponding to the period from 1751 to 1850 was 11,07; while endogamy was of 66,8%. The exogamy index for the period was 0,5; about 18,5% of the studied marriages corresponded to marriages with regional exogamy, and 14,7% to marriages with non-regional exogamy. Conclusion: It is concluded that Holguin population of the second half of the XVIII century and the first half of the XIX century was characterized by the occurrence of high levels of consanguinity and endogamy, as well as low levels of exogamy.

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