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Arts & Culture

Bridewealth and Dowry as Exchange Systems in Kinship Structures

Quick fact

In some societies, bridewealth (payments from the groom's family to the bride's family) is so important that a marriage is not considered valid until it is fully paid, and the payments can be returned if the marriage fails.

Why this is interesting

You’ve probably heard of a dowry, but did you know that in many cultures the groom’s family pays the bride’s family? Why would money change hands at a wedding at all?