dowries

Dowry is the transfer of parental property, cash, or gifts from the bride’s family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage, or as part of the wedding arrangement. It is distinct from a bride price or bride wealth, which are paid to the bride’s family or husband’s group in other cultural contexts. The term and practice can vary widely in meaning and form across cultures.

Historically and regionally, dowry remains most closely associated with South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, where families may provide money, jewelry, household goods, and sometimes real estate to support the couple. In other regions, similar practices have existed or continue in different forms. In some societies the term dowry is used for gifts to the husband’s family, while in others a related concept may be called a dowry but functions differently. Distinctions between dowry and bride price are not always clear-cut and can shift over time.

Economically, dowry can reflect family wealth, social status, and marriage strategy, and it may influence decisions about marriage, education, and residence. However, it can also create financial pressure, inequality between genders, and disputes within families. In extreme cases, dowry-related expectations have been linked to coercive practices and violence.

Legal status varies by country. In several jurisdictions, dowry is prohibited or restricted to combat exploitation and violence against women, with mixed enforcement. Debates about dowry often center on gender equality, poverty, and social norms, alongside discussions of policy measures such as education, economic opportunity, and legal protections for women.