Dowry
A transfer of parental property, gifts, or money at the marriage of a daughter (bride)
Real World Example
In East and Southeast Asia from 500 to 1650, dowries were important in marriage arrangements as a way to strengthen family alliances and provide financial security for the bride. They often included money, property, or valuable goods, which helped ensure the bride's well-being and status in her new family. Dowries addressed concerns about the bride’s future and economic stability, as they could serve as a form of inheritance or a safety net. Today, while the practice of dowries has decreased in many places, it still exists in some cultures and can lead to financial pressure on families. For example, in some parts of India, families may still save for years to afford a dowry, affecting their economic decisions and sometimes leading to significant financial strain.
