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The institution of dowry in india: why it continues to prevail

Author

Listed:
  • Dalmia, Sonia
  • Lawrence, Pareena G

    (Grand Valley State University, USA
    University of Minnesota, USA)

Abstract

The practice of dowry in India has been theoretically linked to a number of factors including the nature of residence and inheritance system, women's role in production, kinship organizations, relative availability of potential spouses, and social stratification in society. This article empirically examines dowries in India and provides an institutional and economic rationale for the existence and continued prevalence of the system. Using data on marriage transactions and on the personal and family traits of marital partners the article demonstrates that payments of dowry serve to equalize the measurable differences in individual characteristics of the bride's and groom's and their respective households. Thus, dowry qualifies as the "price" paid for a "good match" in the marriage market. Results also reveal that the form of inheritance system, the residence of the bride after marriage, and the gender ratio of marriageable women to men have no effect on the incidence and size of dowry.

Suggested Citation

  • Dalmia, Sonia & Lawrence, Pareena G, 2004. "The institution of dowry in india: why it continues to prevail," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 38(2), pages 71-93, January-M.
    • Handle: RePEc:jda:journl:vol.38:year:2004:issue2:pp:71-93
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    File URL: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/journal_of_developing_areas/v038/38.2dalmia.html
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    Cited by:

    1. Abhishek Singh & Praveen Chokhandre & Ajeet Kumar Singh & Kathryn M. Barker & Kaushalendra Kumar & Lotus McDougal & K. S. James & Anita Raj, 2022. "Development of the India Patriarchy Index: Validation and Testing of Temporal and Spatial Patterning," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 159(1), pages 351-377, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    dowry; India;

    JEL classification:

    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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