Thursday, October 18, 2007

Dowry Deaths in India

Dowry is a gift of money or valuables given by the family of the bride, to the family of the groom at the time of marriage. Though initially implemented by the wealthy, it is now a form of insurance in the case of the in-laws mistreating the wife. Though legally prohibited in 1961, dowry also known as dahej, continues to be highly institutionalized. What resulted from increased dowry demands were dowry deaths or bride burning which is the burning of women whose dowries were not considered sufficient by their husband or in-laws. Every 12 hours a dowry related death claimed to have taken the lives of over 20,000 women across India between 1990 and 1993. Most of these incidents are reported as accidental burns in the kitchen or are disguised as suicide. It is evident that there exist deep rooted prejudices against women in India. Cultural practices such as the payment of dowry tend to subordinate women in Indian society.

It is ironic that in India, dowry was originally designed to safeguard the woman in the form of money, property or gifts given solely to the woman by her parents at the time of her marriage. The abuse of this custom eroded and aborted the original meaningful function of dowry as a safety net for the woman and was corrupted to become the price tag for the groom and consequently the noose for the bride. The price of the Indian groom astronomically increased and was based on his qualifications, profession and income.

Though prohibited, dowries are commonly asked for by the families of the groom. The families of the daughter have to comply in order for families to get their daughters married. This leads to further problems like those of child infanticide which is the killing of female infants because of the problems families have to face in getting her married some day. It also solidifies the position of woman as subordinate to the man. Brides are being sold like market commodities and being tortured when the greed of the groom and his family is not satisfied. What can be done to stop such customs if the law isn’t enough? The punishment for dowry death is already 7 yrs which most certainly isn’t enough time for murder. Then again, the Indian Government does not recognize dowry death to be murder. Also, a lot of women who are subject to torture do not lodge a police complaint as it would bring dishonor to their family.

Social laws are required where culture has failed to institutionally stop injustices of dowry deaths. More importantly there needs to be a cultural rethinking on the status of women which can occur only through education. The problem is compounded by the fact that 63 percent of the female population in India is illiterate. Perhaps a good starting point is population control and compulsory education for boys and girls alike. Is education the answer? If so, how does one explain the demanding of dowry by wealthy, well educated people? When traditions are so deeply rooted, can anything be done to stop such practices?

29 comments:

Libby said...

I think dowry deaths are a severe violation of women's rights and education really may be the only answer. The issue of cultural relativism is once again called into question as the Indian families may find this acceptable and a valid tradition in their culture. However, cultural relativism only justifies customs to an extent and this should not account for undeserved murders of brides and infants. As seen through FGM cases, bringing the practice in question to an end is unrealistic but by educating people as the NGO, Tostan has, women have a fighting chance against these dowry murders. Similarly, the 2 million girls and women still at risk of undergoing FGM may soon enough have the procedure done in a safer environment or not have to have it done at all. With traditions so deeply rooted, it is virtually impossible to prevent them any other way (especially with dowry deaths because the government not only denies it but also does not implement harsh enough punishments).

ERose said...

The problem here seems much deeper than the deaths of many women. The problem, like Aditi mentioned, is education. Without a proper system of education, the women of India will be forced into giving a dowry to the family of a husband as a sort of economic arrangement. Well-educated Indian men are a commodity. When the family of a man loses this human commodity, they want something of value in return.
The reason that an educated man is such a commodity is because education is lacking. There are very few men to provide for women the way that educated and wealthy men are able to. Thus, families of brides will give dowries to make up for the loss.
This is the way that I see the situation.
However, with education comes a higher number of well educated men, lessening their value. If the value of an educated man goes down, the giving of dowry (and the deaths of many women) will likely decrease because families of women will be less desperate to find their daughters a well-educated man.

Ryan said...

I think that to stop dowry deaths, there needs to be a dowry free society. Education is a great way to start. The younger Indian generation some how needs to realize that this practice is wrong to begin with. The younger generation is the best hope to end this practice since the Indian government does not acknowledge it.

Dipti27 said...

Dowry is prohibited under the Indian Law. Dowry initially served the purpose of enhancing the relationship between the families of the bride and groom. However, it changed into a custom built to serve the greed of the groom’s family. However, apart from education, one crucial element that will help put a stop to Dowry is a decrease in government and police corruption. The Indian Police often disregard proof and don’t take the complaints of the bride’s family into consideration. The victims are often ignored as the victim’s in-laws often bribe the policemen not to file the complaint. Hence, the underlying issue of grave importance is the corruption prevalent in the higher strata of governance. The legal system in India has always been corrupt when it comes to dealing with issues that deal with people of low status. People with money and influence manage to get away with crimes by paying the officials. It is disgraceful that people meant to protect the public are responsible for their harm. It is thus essential to rectify the legal system before educating the families or the women in the Indian society.

ElizabethJane said...

I agree with you Ryan that the best way to end bride burnings would be to make it a dowry free society.. cleary that would be the ideal solution. Unfortunately in reality the insitution of a dowry has been a tradition that goes back very far in history and it would be extremely difficult to end. I feel as though if dowrys were made illegal then it would just add to the corruption and illegal activities already happening in India. Instead of it being something freely talked about it would add to the crime occurring. I myself might not be able to think of a reasonable solution to the problem but I definitely feel that you cannot just take the entire tradition away from Indian society without there being more problems raised.

Anonymous said...

Hi !.
You may , perhaps very interested to know how one can reach 2000 per day of income .
There is no initial capital needed You may begin to get income with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with offices everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your chance That`s what you really need!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to get real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to select a proper partner utilizes your money in a right way - that`s it!.
I make 2G daily, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to join , just click this link http://huhoqacy.dreamstation.com/ilateg.html
and go! Let`s take our chance together to become rich

Anonymous said...

Hi !.
You re, I guess , probably very interested to know how one can reach 2000 per day of income .
There is no initial capital needed You may commense earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you need
AimTrust represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with structures around the world.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your chance That`s what you really need!

I feel good, I started to get income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. If it gets down to select a correct companion who uses your savings in a right way - that`s AimTrust!.
I make 2G daily, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://ilytogoka.exactpages.com/orapot.html
and go! Let`s take this option together to get rid of nastiness of the life

Anonymous said...

Hello !.
You re, I guess , probably curious to know how one can manage to receive high yields .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may begin earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you haven`t ever dreamt of such a chance to become rich
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with affiliates around the world.
Do you want to become a happy investor?
That`s your choice That`s what you desire!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to get real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a correct partner who uses your savings in a right way - that`s it!.
I make 2G daily, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://xokemutubo.kogaryu.com/xyjupon.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to become rich

Anonymous said...

Brim over I acquiesce in but I think the post should prepare more info then it has.

Anonymous said...

Hi!
You may probably be very interested to know how one can manage to receive high yields on investments.
There is no initial capital needed.
You may begin earning with a money that usually goes
for daily food, that's 20-100 dollars.
I have been participating in one project for several years,
and I'm ready to share my secrets at my blog.

Please visit my pages and send me private message to get the info.

P.S. I make 1000-2000 per day now.

http://theblogmoney.com

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have were times of troubles when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright stupid person.
I have never imagined that there weren't any need in large initial investment.
Nowadays, I feel good, I started take up real money.
It's all about how to select a correct partner who utilizes your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real deals, and shares the profit with me.

You may get interested, if there are such firms? I'm obliged to answer the truth, YES, there are. Please get to know about one of them:
http://theblogmoney.com

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have been times of hardship when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright pessimistic person.
I have never imagined that there weren't any need in big initial investment.
Nowadays, I'm happy and lucky , I started to get real money.
It's all about how to select a correct companion who uses your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real deals, parts and divides the profit with me.

You can ask, if there are such firms? I'm obliged to answer the truth, YES, there are. Please be informed of one of them:
http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]

Anonymous said...

Whats up people, I just signed up on this terrific discussion board and desired to say what's up! Have a stunning day!

Anonymous said...

megan fox camshafts, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]top les megan fox[/url] megan fox and plastic surgury
where can i watch the kim kardashian, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]kim kardashian leaked[/url] kim kardashian video, free
e taylor swift, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift today was a fairy tale[/url] taylor swift and abigail
hannah montana tattoo, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]hannah montana music videos[/url] disney hannah montana
harry potter book trivia, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]harry potter potion class[/url] harry potter draco malfoy slash fan fiction
miami to nassau day cruises, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]where to find the ncl cruises[/url] sydney to cape town cruises
justin bieber down to earth lyrics, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]justin bieber one[/url] justin bieber smiling
britney spears strip, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]3 britney spears music video[/url] britney spears lance lap dance
hot naked megan fox pictures, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]megan fox hot photo[/url] megan fox sister kristi

Anonymous said...

hi everybody


just registered and put on my todo list


hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.

Anonymous said...

if you guys begging to pique [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra dispensary seeking generic drugs.
you can ascertain drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the portentous [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] start on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

Predilection casinos? endorse this advanced [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] advisor and get up online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also inhibit our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] hint at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and be heir to in genuine change !
another trendy [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] within an eyelash of is www.ttittancasino.com , rather than of german gamblers, descend upon via well-wishing online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

http://fastloans.skachatnow.co.cc/600-boat-credit-loan.php - 600 boat credit loan
http://getloan.skachatnow.co.cc/advance-cash-payroll.php - advance cash payroll
[url=http://loanstoday.skachatnow.co.cc/student-loan-repayment-calculator.php]student loan repayment calculator[/url]
http://getloan.skachatnow.co.cc/financial-loan-calculator.php - financial loan calculator
http://paydayloan.skachatnow.co.cc/student-loan-corp.php - student loan corp
[url=http://newloans.skachatnow.co.cc/bankruptcy-loan-ok-personal.php]bankruptcy loan ok personal[/url]
[url=http://fastloans.skachatnow.co.cc/application-commercial-form-loan.php]application commercial form loan[/url]
[url=http://paydayloan.skachatnow.co.cc/board-education-higher-loan-student.php]board education higher loan student[/url]
http://loanstoday.skachatnow.co.cc/california-in-interest-loan-only.php - california in interest loan only
http://getloan.skachatnow.co.cc/quicken-loan-calculator.php - quicken loan calculator

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.pi7.ru/foto/1499-podborka-bolshih-popok-12-foto.html ]Экстрасенсы, скажите пожалуйста, есть у меня шанс хорошую карьеру сделать? [/url]
коро сдавать ГИА. Подскажите, как выбрать обогатительные предметы. Остановила свой выбор на / биологии/ физике/ англ./беседазнании. Тяжело выбрать .Если что, я собираюсь в мед. ВУЗ, но ХИМИЮ не готова сдавать. Еслби кому интересно, то у меня 5.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://refmax.cokincokine.com/]rencontre libertine[/url]

Anonymous said...

Как говорилось на Seexi.net Кто-нибудь использует? Я вот виджу всё чаще в магазине... Думаю, может нужно купить... Только несомненного мнения, что нужно и никаких гвоздей нигде не слашала.
Кто-нибудь использует? Знаете точно?

Anonymous said...

Как говорилось на Seexi.net Я точно знаю только про Георгия Вицина и Вячеслава Невинного, что оба не пили и не курили. Очень хочется знать, а кто ещё из всенародных любимцев и легенд советского кино буквально не пил

Anonymous said...

[color=green][size=24]секс знакомства г вологда[/size][/color]
безрегистрации секс знакомства секс знакомства развод орша секс знакомства взломать сайт секс знакомств
секс знакомства в нефтекамске секс знакомства в златоусте знакомства в тихвине секс
тел секс знакомств секс знакомства кишинев закрытые секс знакомства зоо секс знакомства
вольск секс знакомства знакомства сумы секс качканар секс знакомства
map26
map9
секс знакомства кишинев
самый большой сайт секс знакомств
mail секс знакомства
секс знакомства в братске
секс знакомства без регистрации беларусь
секс знакомства без смс волгоград
секс знакомства сорочинск
знакомства одесса флирт секс общение
секс знакомства в кемеровской области
секс знакомства по вэб камере

Anonymous said...

Народ в таких вот случаях говорит – Ахал бы дядя, на себя глядя. :)

Anonymous said...

Спасибо полезный материал. Добавил ваш блог в закладки.

Anonymous said...

Отправила первый пост а он не опубликовался. Пишу второй. Это я туристка африканских стран

Anonymous said...

Как обычно, вебмастер грамотно опубликовал!

Anonymous said...

Тут кто-нибудь разбирается в радио? Нужен коллега, который рассказал бы вкратце о транзисторе Т2 (не понятно как проверить гв = гв1). Надеюсь, радиолюбители тут “водятся”. Если не по теме совершенно, то извините. Вынужден написать, выхода просто не вижу. ЗЫ: если орфография не правильная то тоже извините, мне 13 лет только.

Anonymous said...

Спасибо понравилось !

War against Euphoria

  Hate Hope and Human Rights  At least that's what the addicts describe it as. In 2020 alone, an estimated 9.5 million Americans, just A...