We have been through dowry claims from the groom's side but what about the girl's side, where they happily get ready to trade their daughters but don't want to give a share in the family property? according to them it solely belongs to their sons, be they worthless or some goon. Families where girls are independent yet their parents unnecessarily worry about dowry. When asking their response will be It is the only way marriages work. Daughters who contribute to house expenses and help their family to run the house do not get the respect they deserve. Women who do not get to study and work have the worst situation. They do not have any saying before getting married. They are being shown to the groom's side, how they walk and speak and if their color is fair. What are those things that have been them keeping from not worrying about collecting dowry for their daughters, the educated and independent ones?
They think it can't be changed
Many parents have this quick answer when asking about the dowry, It can not be changed, it only works in that way. They are not ready to understand that their daughters feel disrespected when they have to settle in accordance with the money their parents can afford or borrow money to give dowry.
They consider it a custom
Dowry comes under criminal offense, but due to its long run, it has been taken as a custom in Indian marriages. Women who were once independent could not stop their parents from giving away money and jewelry as wedding gifts. It goes like Their son is a Doctor so we have to pay a large amount for the happiness of our daughter.
A quid pro quo
Dowry is something that parents think can be refunded from their son's marriage. So that they can make a societal reputation and also can get their money back from marrying their sons to rich parents' daughters.
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