What happens to the Dowry?

What happens to the Dowry?One of the major issues in the middle class families is the lack of dowry in love marriages-even in cross cousin marriages(traditionally accepted in South India)!For some, love marriage is an easy way out but it comes with low social prestige.But to look at the brighter side and potentially changing situations of love marriages, the boys side might give to the brides side, thus inverting the usual model.The prevalence of dowry in upper class families can be attributed to their paying capacity and the possibility of it reducing her daughters possible suffering in the affinal home. Also, it is a way of demonstrating love and care for their daughters.The situation somewhat changes when the girl is educated and their ability to earn money may be taken into account in the marriage bargain, especially in South India.

Dowry: North India vs. South IndiaIn South India, cross cousin marriages were prevalent whereas in the North, such unions are considered undesirable and incestuous. But this has stopped even in South India who have become aware of biological complications in the offspring.The attraction of cross cousin marriages may be due to the emotional values-that such marriages strengthen affinal ties, and also that dowry is not expected in such cases.But though the absence of dowry may be an attraction, it may simultaneously be a burden in different ways.ConclusionEducation, schooling, new technologies are increasingly facilitating controlled lives and environments of the middle-class Indians.Arranged-cum-love marriages are becoming popular among the urban youth. The young are finding ways of making their influence felt in marriage negotiations.In this changing scenario, the most affected are young women, who have to handle various pressures-gender, wealth and prestige. They are the ones who carry the heaviest burden of rapid social change. They embody a changing India.

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