Title: Dowry- The Never Ending Curse
Author: Praful Uttareshwar Landge
Roll No: 0225025
1.0. Introduction:
In many regions of the world, particularly South Asia, the dowry system—often referred to as a “social termite” or a “never-ending curse”—remains a pervasive, unlawful, and destructive custom. This practice, in which the bride’s family gives money, property, or goods to the groom’s family, persists despite legal prohibitions and modernization, causing women to be severely exploited, subjected to violence, and frequently killed.
2.0. Objective:
To examine the socioeconomic factors that support the dowry system’s continued existence in South Asia in spite of current legal frameworks, as well as its clear link to gender-based violence and exploitation.
3.0. Literature Review:
Literature identifies the dowry system as a persistent socio-cultural practice despite legal prohibitions. Research connects it to economic stress on families and gender inequality. Empirical studies link dowry to domestic violence and fatalities associated with dowry. Scholars regard it as a structural catalyst for the exploitation and vulnerability of women.
3.1 The ”dowry System in India – Problem of Dowry Deaths
The dowry system is a widespread social ill that is fueled by tradition, greed, and poor governance. The system perpetuates gender inequality, son preference, and violence against women. The dowry system has become more of a status symbol and a symbol of greed than a tradition, and it is on the rise in South Asia.
3.2 Dowry, the Oppression of Women and Femicide in Bangladesh
Historically, dowry has existed, but the contemporary version in Bangladesh was established in the 20th century, substituting the previous bride-wealth system. Currently, dowry is a means of exploitation and is closely associated with patriarchy. Studies associate dowry with prevalent domestic violence and dowry-related deaths, although it is illegal. The absence of credible quantitative information indicates the requirement for improved documentation.
3.3 Dowry, ‘Dowry Autonomy’ and Domestic Violence Among Young Married Women in India
This massive study reveals that the practice of dowry is still prevalent in India across various regions, religions, and castes. Dowry does not shield women against violence in their households; rather, it makes them more susceptible. But women who enjoy “dowry autonomy” are much less likely to suffer from physical violence.
3.4 Legal Implications on Dowry System in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis
There is no doubt that dowry is a social evil but still it is practiced in Pakistan. Both Literate and illiterate people give and accept dowries from their in-laws. Mostly this problem exists in middle class family and a reason for this is the greed and demonstration of status. These trends should be changed for preventing the women rights. Youth and government should play their role to curb the situation. Government should make sure the implementation of laws made for the restriction of dowry. Youth especially male should play their role by convincing their parents and saying no to the dowry system. Education and awareness can play an important role to end these problems. Dowry isn’t a bad thing but its prevailing practice is a bad thing, people should give dowry and gifts according to their income instead of paying it with their lives.
3.5 The Social Construction of ‘Dowry Deaths’
Social and legal implications of classifying causes of death are immense, and the case of burn deaths among women in India is no exception. This study, conducted through tracking hospital cases and interviews with doctors and police officials, reveals that the classification of ‘dowry death’ is influenced by the play of various interests. Such mechanisms may lead to the entry of bias and result in injustice.
3.6 Analysis of Risk Factors of Dowry Death: A South Indian Study
The problem of dowry deaths in newly married brides continues to be a serious concern in southern India. The study revealed that the victims were predominantly young, childless, illiterate, and belonged to the middle socio-economic group, with a majority of the deaths taking place within four years of marriage. The perpetrators in joint families were found to be the husbands and in-laws, with the major causes being hanging, burning, and poisoning.
3.7 Alleged Dowry Death: A Study of Homicidal Burns
The practice of homicidal burning of married women associated with dowry deaths is a serious problem in India, although legal changes have been made. This retrospective hospital study concluded that more than half of the burned wives were homicide victims, who were young and childless, and mostly came from rural joint families. Kerosene burning was the prevalent form of burning, and the victims died quickly because of severe burns.
3.8 DOWRY DEATHS IN INDIA: A Persistent Social Scourge
Dowry deaths remain a persistent social evil in India, driven by patriarchal norms, excessive demands, and social pressures despite legal measures. The issue endures due to intertwined cultural, economic, and institutional factors. Combating it requires stronger enforcement, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. Collective societal action is essential to ensure women’s safety and dignity.
3.9 The Dowry Gift in South Asia: An Institution on the Intersection of Market and Patriarchy
Dowry, which was a legal form of marriage gift, has been in decline in Europe but is widespread in South Asia. The “new dowry” has been in cash and market goods since the colonial period and is associated with violence against brides. The evolution of dowry is explored in this article through a Polanyian lens and not from the neoclassical market perspective.
3.10 Patriarchal Investments: Marriage, Dowry and the Political Economy of Development in Bangladesh
The article shows that marriage in rural Bangladesh is changing in ideas but not fundamentally in practice: families and social status remain central, and traditional male roles persist. Rising dowries are driven mainly by men’s economic needs, as dowry provides capital in a competitive economy. Overall, marriage and dowry are closely tied to Bangladesh’s wider political and economic system.
4.0 Conclusion
According to the research, the dowry system in South Asia is still practiced despite being banned by law. The system is fueled by patriarchy, social status, and economic conditions. Instead of safeguarding women, the system actually puts them at risk of violence and death related to dowry deaths, which are not well documented.
5.0 References
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