Published: 2021-12-18

SPATIAL, RELIGIOUS AND NATIONAL SELECTION OF MARRIAGES, AND THE IDENTITY OF KASHUBIANS IN THE CONTEXT OF A GENETIC DISEASE

Anna Kwaśniewska
Etnografia Polska
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.23858/EP65.2021.2738

Abstract

LCHAD enzyme deficiency is a rare genetic disease that is relatively common in the Kashubian population. My research aimed to examine the issue of spatial (geographical), religious and national origin in marriages in Kashubia from the second half o the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century to determine whether it is justifiable for some doctors to claim that the high frequency of this disease among Kashubians is caused by isolation due to settlement traditions, a small influx of new populations, endogamy within one’s place of habitat as well as their ethnic-regional group. I also focused on the influence of the disease, especially its colloquial term “the Kashubian gene”, on the identity and image of Kashubians. I demonstrate that this disease, particularly its non-medical term, stigmatizes Kashubians, undermines their ethnic pride, and can be a source of stigma and a wounded identity.

Keywords:

Kashubs, Poland, genes, LCHAD enzyme deficiency, marital selection

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Kwaśniewska, A. (2021). SPATIAL, RELIGIOUS AND NATIONAL SELECTION OF MARRIAGES, AND THE IDENTITY OF KASHUBIANS IN THE CONTEXT OF A GENETIC DISEASE. Etnografia Polska, 65. https://doi.org/10.23858/EP65.2021.2738

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