IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review

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Dowry as a Social Practice and its Psychological Impact


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1 Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
     

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In contemporary times, dowry practice, although considered illegal, continues to be a socially accepted and rational outcome of the current Indian marriage market. The custom is held responsible for several atrocities perpetrated against women including dowry-related violence, bride burning, wife murder and often making them vulnerable to neurotic disorders and emotional problems. Unfortunately, the prohibition acts and punishments in an attempt to stop dowry practice has been ineffective. Something more than legislation is required to overcome this social evil and accord woman their dignity in the marriage setup. This paper is an attempt to highlight the social impact and psychological distress that the families and especially the daughter has to go through due to dowry practice and discuss psychological ways victims use to cope with these issues.

Keywords

Dowry, Social Impact, Psychological Distress, Coping.
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  • Dowry as a Social Practice and its Psychological Impact

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Authors

Shazia Perween
Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract


In contemporary times, dowry practice, although considered illegal, continues to be a socially accepted and rational outcome of the current Indian marriage market. The custom is held responsible for several atrocities perpetrated against women including dowry-related violence, bride burning, wife murder and often making them vulnerable to neurotic disorders and emotional problems. Unfortunately, the prohibition acts and punishments in an attempt to stop dowry practice has been ineffective. Something more than legislation is required to overcome this social evil and accord woman their dignity in the marriage setup. This paper is an attempt to highlight the social impact and psychological distress that the families and especially the daughter has to go through due to dowry practice and discuss psychological ways victims use to cope with these issues.

Keywords


Dowry, Social Impact, Psychological Distress, Coping.

References