Dowry System During The Medieval Times - 2451 Words

Arranged marriages in India have been dominant since then and up until now; likewise is the existence of dowry system. Dowry system is an ancient custom among two families involved in marriage and is now further customized into desperate business deals. Dowry has become a societal evil which degrades women’s respect and status. Hence, in a sociological perspective, this essay will showcase that the idea of asking or giving wedding gifts against on one’s willingness must be altered because it has become a means of economic fear among the bride’s parents, bride-burning and sexual infanticide. Historically, dowry system started in prehistoric times, wherein the father give their daughters â€Å"in marriage as religious gifts† and that â€Å"dowry was regarded as additional gifts†(Kumari, 1989, as cited in Rastogi Therly, 2006, p. 68, para 1). During the medieval times at 13th-14th century, dowry has prevailed through the hypergamous system of marriage among the upper-class families (Umar, 1998, as cited in Rastogi and Therly, 2006, p. 68). Parents consider marrying their daughters to a man who is economically well-off to increase their power and prestige; which is why, they pay the man at any cost to accept their daughter. Eventually, from the main context of giving gifts, it has become a groom entitlement; therefore, dowry has been seen as a property brought to their house by the bride as a compensation of her additional financial burden to the groom’s family. Anderson (2007a) hasShow MoreRelatedLife in the Feudal System During Medievel Times811 Word s   |  4 Pagessowing of the fields was on a three year cycle. Due to a Peasants place in the feudal system, they were obligated to fight for the local lord. 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