Understanding Genetic Sexual Attraction: Who Does It Affect?
Genetic sexual attraction (GSA) is a phenomenon that primarily occurs among closely related adults. This attraction can arise when individuals, who may have been separated for a long time or have never met before, are reunited after reaching sexual maturity. The shared genetic makeup often leads to a stronger, sometimes uncontrollable, sexual attraction compared to individuals with no blood relation.
The Dynamics of Genetic Sexual Attraction
GSA can manifest not only between siblings but also between parents and their children, as well as between grandparents and grandchildren. The concept of genetic sexual attraction was notably introduced by Barbara Gonnella. After reuniting with her son, who had been abandoned as a baby and was now 26 years old, she was taken aback by her feelings of desire for him. Although these feelings never became a reality—as the son did not reciprocate them—Gonnella's experience shed light on this complex phenomenon.
Explaining the Psychological Underpinnings
In her book, Gonnella explains that these romantic and sexual feelings may arise from a lack of early intimate relationships between the mother and newborn, or due to siblings who were separated in early childhood due to foster care. For many individuals encountering GSA, the longing for early connection can intensify in adulthood, sometimes leading to sexual attraction.
Similarities Foster Attraction
Generally, people tend to feel more attraction toward individuals resembling themselves in appearance, trustworthiness, and personality. When searching for partners, individuals often look for those with similar interests and traits. This similarity is heightened among blood relatives, increasing the likelihood of GSA. Particularly in parent-child relationships, parents may subconsciously view their children in a spousal light due to shared genetic characteristics.
Anthropological Perspectives on Genetic Relationships
Anthropologists suggest that genetically closer individuals share similar characteristics, making them feel more drawn to each other. This is often referred to as "genetic attraction" for same-sex pairs and "genetic sexual attraction" for opposite-sex pairs. However, the “Westermarck effect” posits that siblings raised together typically do not experience GSA. This effect suggests that individuals growing up in the same household develop a natural aversion to sexual attraction toward each other, even amidst societal pressures.
A Balanced View on Love and Attraction
Professor Li Yao from Fudan University's Institute of Genetics argues that the complexity of love between men and women cannot be solely understood through the lens of genetics. She asserts that even individuals who share physical and personality similarities may not form romantic connections, highlighting that oppositional qualities often attract partners.
This perspective challenges the notion that GSA can fully explain why romantic feelings rarely occur among siblings raised together.
Ethical and Legal Implications
Despite the personal experiences associated with GSA, such attraction often leads to significant societal stress as it contravenes established sexual and moral codes. Many countries legally prohibit such relationships due to the potential for genetic issues in offspring. For instance, after dating for four years, Sean and Rachel faced challenges when trying to marry, as no state in the U.S. allows legal marriages between siblings. This situation illustrates the societal unacceptability of such unions, which can have ramifications for future generations.
Additionally, laws in several countries, including the new marriage law in China, explicitly forbid marriages between direct relatives and cousins within a certain degree of kinship to mitigate health risks associated with genetic diseases.
Conclusion
Ultimately, genetic sexual attraction presents a complicated intersection of biology, psychology, and social values. While some individuals may experience this phenomenon, it remains a contentious subject shaped by ethical considerations, societal norms, and legal frameworks. Understanding GSA allows for broader discussions about love, attraction, and the implications of our genetic makeup.