Difference between revisions of "Dowry"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''dowarie'', from Anglo-French, alteration of ''[ | + | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''dowarie'', from Anglo-French, alteration of ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dower dower]'', ''douaire'' |
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] |
==Defiinitions== | ==Defiinitions== | ||
*1: the [[money]], [[goods]], or estate that a [[woman]] brings to her [[husband]] in [[marriage]] | *1: the [[money]], [[goods]], or estate that a [[woman]] brings to her [[husband]] in [[marriage]] | ||
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*3: a natural [[talent]] | *3: a natural [[talent]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | A '''dowry''' is the [[money]], [[goods]], or estate that a [[woman]] brings to a [[marriage]]. It [[contrasts]] with [ | + | A '''dowry''' is the [[money]], [[goods]], or estate that a [[woman]] brings to a [[marriage]]. It [[contrasts]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bride_price bride price], which is paid by the groom or his family to the bride's [[parents]], and with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dower dower], which is property given to the bride herself by the groom at the time of [[marriage]]. The same [[culture]] may simultaneously [[practice]] both dowry and bride price. Dowry is an [[ancient]] [[custom]], and its [[existence]] may well predate records of it. Dowries continue to be [[expected]] in some parts of the world, mainly South Asia. |
| − | There are several possible [[functions]] for a dowry system. One function of a dowry may be to provide the [[husband]] with "[ | + | There are several possible [[functions]] for a dowry system. One function of a dowry may be to provide the [[husband]] with "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_money seed money]" or property for the establishment of a new household and to help feed and [[protect]] the [[family]]. Another may be to provide the wife and children with some [[support]] if he were to die. |
Another function of the dowry may be as [[compensation]] for bride price. This may be the case in [[cultures]] where the dowry and bride price are both customary. | Another function of the dowry may be as [[compensation]] for bride price. This may be the case in [[cultures]] where the dowry and bride price are both customary. | ||
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Many [[authors]] believe that the giving and receiving of dowry [[reflects]] [[social status]] and even the [[effort]] to climb higher in a social [[hierarchy]]. | Many [[authors]] believe that the giving and receiving of dowry [[reflects]] [[social status]] and even the [[effort]] to climb higher in a social [[hierarchy]]. | ||
| − | A dowry may also have served as a form of [[protection]] for the wife against the possibility of ill treatment by her [[husband]] and his [[family]], providing an [[incentive]] for the husband not to harm his wife. This would apply in [[cultures]] where a dowry was expected to be returned to the bride's [[family]] if she died soon after [[marrying]]. [ | + | A dowry may also have served as a form of [[protection]] for the wife against the possibility of ill treatment by her [[husband]] and his [[family]], providing an [[incentive]] for the husband not to harm his wife. This would apply in [[cultures]] where a dowry was expected to be returned to the bride's [[family]] if she died soon after [[marrying]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry] |
[[Category: Sociology]] | [[Category: Sociology]] | ||
[[Category: Anthropology]] | [[Category: Anthropology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:03, 13 December 2020
Origin
Middle English dowarie, from Anglo-French, alteration of dower, douaire
Defiinitions
- 1: the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage
- 2: a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride
- 3: a natural talent
Description
A dowry is the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to a marriage. It contrasts with bride price, which is paid by the groom or his family to the bride's parents, and with dower, which is property given to the bride herself by the groom at the time of marriage. The same culture may simultaneously practice both dowry and bride price. Dowry is an ancient custom, and its existence may well predate records of it. Dowries continue to be expected in some parts of the world, mainly South Asia.
There are several possible functions for a dowry system. One function of a dowry may be to provide the husband with "seed money" or property for the establishment of a new household and to help feed and protect the family. Another may be to provide the wife and children with some support if he were to die.
Another function of the dowry may be as compensation for bride price. This may be the case in cultures where the dowry and bride price are both customary.
Many authors believe that the giving and receiving of dowry reflects social status and even the effort to climb higher in a social hierarchy.
A dowry may also have served as a form of protection for the wife against the possibility of ill treatment by her husband and his family, providing an incentive for the husband not to harm his wife. This would apply in cultures where a dowry was expected to be returned to the bride's family if she died soon after marrying. [1]
