Problem of Dowry among Rural Women of Haryana:A Sociological Analysis

The dowry system is a cultural system in India in which the parents of the bride pay a large sum of money, expensive jewellery and other gifts such as car or other household items to the parents of the groom during marriage. The social and cultural efforts of the dowry system are devastating to the society as a whole. Dowry is the result of long standing power in balance between men and women and thus seriously compromises the well being, productivity and contribution of one half the populations. Therefore it was important to bring to light the issues affecting women in this reason. Two hundred women were randomly selected from Karnal and Sirsa districts of Haryana and out of those of 39, who were affected the problem related to dowry in both reasons. It was found that more than half of respondents (51.28%) reported that dowry was demanded before marriage, 30.77% at the time of marriage while 17.95% demanded it after marriage. The maximum numbers of cases regarding dowry demand were made by their husbands (41.03%) in the form of vehicles, cash-money. Jewellery etc. The core reason for dowry was greed like purchase of motor vehicles, business expansion and employment. Customs and ritual were also found as main reason for dowry. Concerted efforts are required to curb violence against women regarding dowry in Haryana.