Why is there so much incest in Game of Thrones?

In the fictional world of Game of Thrones, many of the characters come from families and societies that value kinship and blood ties above all else. This is especially true among the nobility and ruling classes, where marrying within the family can help consolidate power and ensure the purity of their bloodline.

Joe Heinrich's book "The WEIRDest People in the World" discusses how cultural differences shape our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. According to Heinrich, the Western world (i.e., Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies) is characterized by unique cultural values that have developed over time, including individualism, impersonal prosociality, and analytical thinking.

In contrast, many other societies throughout history and around the world have placed a greater emphasis on collectivism, kinship ties, and communal responsibility. These societies tend to be more interdependent, have stronger family bonds, and prioritize the interests of the group over the individual.

One consequence of these differences is that incest may be more acceptable or even encouraged in some societies that prioritize kinship ties. For example, in ancient Egyptian society, brother-sister marriages were not uncommon among the ruling elite.

Furthermore, the fictional world of Game of Thrones is loosely based on medieval Europe, which was characterized by a strong emphasis on family and lineage. Marriages between close relatives, such as first cousins, were not uncommon among European royalty during this time period.

Therefore, the prevalence of incestuous relationships in Game of Thrones can be explained, in part, by the cultural values and historical context of the societies in which the characters live.

From a game theoretic perspective, the practice of marrying within the family can be seen as a strategic move by rulers to consolidate power and secure their position within the social hierarchy.

In a society where power is concentrated in the hands of a few ruling families, marriages between close relatives can help to strengthen kinship ties and maintain the purity of the ruling family's bloodline. This can help to solidify the ruler's position by creating a sense of loyalty and obligation among family members.

From a game theoretic perspective, this can be seen as a form of coalition-building. By forming alliances with other members of the ruling family, the ruler can increase their political influence and reduce the risk of being overthrown by rival factions.

Moreover, marriages between close relatives can also help to minimize the risk of outsiders gaining access to the ruler's power base. By keeping power within the family, the ruler can ensure that only those who are loyal and trusted have access to sensitive information and decision-making processes.

Overall, from a game theoretic perspective, the practice of marrying within the family can be seen as a strategic move by rulers to consolidate power and secure their position within the social hierarchy. This can help to create a stable political environment and reduce the risk of internal conflicts and power struggles. However, it is important to note that this practice may have negative consequences, such as increased risk of genetic disorders.