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The dowry system is a deeply rooted tradition in many cultures, involving the transfer of money, property, or gifts from the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. Although dowry practices vary across regions and cultures, they are prevalent in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite its historical origins as a way to protect women’s rights and ensure financial security, the dowry system has often devolved into a form of social pressure and exploitation. This article explores the history of dowry, its cultural significance, and the psychological and social implications it has on individuals and families.

Keywords: Dowry system, Dowry in India, Dowry-related violence, Psychological impact of dowry, Gender inequality and dowry, Dowry prohibition, Dowry and marriage

Historically, dowry was intended to provide financial security for women, particularly in patriarchal societies where women had limited rights to inherit property. In ancient times, dowries were seen as a way to compensate the groom’s family for the “burden” of taking responsibility for the bride. Over time, this practice became institutionalised in many cultures as part of the marriage negotiation process.

In countries such as India, dowry is not just a traditional practice but is embedded in cultural and societal expectations. Even though dowry has been legally banned in India since the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, the practice persists in many regions, often leading to exploitation and abuse (Menski 1998). Similar practices can be observed in other parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where dowry or bride price is culturally significant.

While the original intent of dowry may have been to provide financial protection for women, in many modern contexts, the practice has turned into a financial burden on brides’ families. The demand for large dowries can cause significant financial strain, particularly on low-income families. In some cases, families go into debt or sell property to meet dowry demands.

This financial pressure can have long-lasting effects on families and lead to social disparities. In regions where dowry is still practiced, families with daughters may face higher economic hardship, contributing to gender-based inequalities (Anderson 2007). Additionally, dowry demands may lead to delays in marriages or selective abortion of female foetuses due to the economic burden associated with raising a girl (Srinivasan & Bedi 2007).

For women, the dowry system can have serious psychological and emotional effects. Women who come from families that are unable to meet dowry demands may face stigma, harassment, or abuse in their marital homes. Studies have shown that dowry-related violence, including physical and emotional abuse, is a significant issue in South Asian countries (Chowdhury 2010).

Women who are subjected to dowry-related violence often experience feelings of helplessness, depression, and anxiety. In extreme cases, dowry violence can result in “dowry deaths,” where brides are murdered or driven to suicide because of unmet dowry demands. According to India’s National Crime Records Bureau, thousands of women die each year as a result of dowry-related violence (NCRB 2020).

Men, too, can experience psychological pressure due to the dowry system, particularly when they are expected to demand dowries in line with societal norms. In some cases, men may feel burdened by the societal expectations of benefiting from dowries, even if they personally do not support the practice (Menski 1998).

Many countries have introduced legal measures to address the exploitation associated with dowry. In India, the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 made the giving and taking of dowry illegal. However, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge, and dowry practices continue to persist, particularly in rural areas. Activists and women’s rights groups have called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and public awareness campaigns to curb the practice (Menski 1998).

Cultural shifts are also essential to changing attitudes toward dowry. In recent years, there have been growing social movements to reduce the stigma around dowry-free marriages. Educational campaigns and increased financial independence for women are seen as critical steps in changing societal views on dowry and promoting more egalitarian marriage practices (Srinivasan & Bedi 2007).

The dowry system, while historically rooted in the protection of women’s financial rights, has evolved into a complex practice with significant social, psychological, and financial implications. Despite legal bans and efforts to curb dowry-related exploitation, the practice continues to thrive in many parts of the world, perpetuating gender inequality and contributing to social and emotional harm.

Addressing the dowry system requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger legal enforcement, cultural shifts toward gender equality, and support for women’s financial independence. By understanding the full impact of dowry, societies can work toward creating more equitable and just marriage practices.

• Anderson, S 2007, ‘The economics of dowry and brideprice’, Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 151-174.
• Chowdhury, FD 2010, ‘Dowry, women, and law in Bangladesh’, International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 198-221.
• Menski, W 1998, South Asians and the dowry problem, Vistaar Publications, New Delhi.
• NCRB 2020, Crime in India: 2020 Statistics, National Crime Records Bureau, viewed 15 October 2024, https://ncrb.gov.in/en/crime-india.
• Srinivasan, P & Bedi, AS 2007, ‘Daughter elimination in Tamil Nadu, India: A tale of two ratios’, Journal of Development Studies, vol. 43, no. 7, pp. 1085-1107.

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