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Crime or Custom?

Author

Listed:
  • Shahana Nasrin

    (Shahana Nasrin is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh. E-mail: nasrinkolki@yahoo.com)

Abstract

This article highlights the reasons behind the practice of dowry in rural Bangladesh. Despite being prohibited by Islam and the civil law, people do not abstain from the practice. Hypergamy, empowerment and social values underlie the theoretical framework for analysing the findings. This study finds both positive and negative motivations such as daughters’ well-being, gaining higher status in society and social values undergirding women’s subordination, women’s dependent status, etc., behind an escalating practice of dowry.

Suggested Citation

  • Shahana Nasrin, 2011. "Crime or Custom?," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 27-50, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:18:y:2011:i:1:p:27-50
    DOI: 10.1177/097152151001800102
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francis Bloch & Vijayendra Rao, 2002. "Terror as a Bargaining Instrument: A Case Study of Dowry Violence in Rural India," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(4), pages 1029-1043, September.
    2. Srinivasan, Sharada, 2005. "Daughters or dowries? The changing nature of dowry practices in south India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 593-615, April.
    3. Siwan Anderson, 2003. "Why Dowry Payments Declined with Modernization in Europe but Are Rising in India," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 111(2), pages 269-310, April.
    4. Junsen Zhang & William Chan, 1999. "Dowry and Wife's Welfare: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 107(4), pages 786-808, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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