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Arts & Culture

The Role of Dowry and Bride Price in Shaping Gender Dynamics in South Asia

Quick fact

In India, the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) made demanding or giving a dowry illegal, yet dowry transactions persist—often disguised as 'gifts'—and studies show that a bride's family may still pay on average more than 100,000 rupees, sometimes leading to severe financial strain.

Why this is interesting

In South Asia, a daughter’s wedding can cost a family a lifetime of savings—or even push them into debt—while a groom’s family might gain a fortune. Why does the direction of a marriage gift matter so much for a woman’s place in society?