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Subject: Sociology × Author: Kaur, Gaganpreet × Start date: 2014 × Thesis Type: Ph.D ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Changing Pattern of Dowry and Its Implications-A Study of Rural Punjab
    (PAU, 2015) Kaur, Gaganpreet; Singh, Sukhdev
    The present study was conducted to assess the changing pattern of dowry and its implications in four districts of Punjab by taking a sample of two generations i.e. 360 mothers-in-law (G1) and 360 daughters-in-law (G2). The age at marriage has shown significant difference between two generations i.e. from 19.5 years to 23.6 years. Data revealed that the marriages of all the G1 respondents were arranged and intra-caste while there was a shift towards marriage by choice and inter-caste marriages in G2. As regard to the matrimonial alliance in G1 all marriages were arranged by Vicholas (middleman) and relatives whereas in G2 group new sources of introduction of marriage took place. Further, in G1 group most of marriages were performed in Tent houses and catered by Local Halwais whereas in G2, 48.89% marriages were in palaces with help of professional caterers (55.83%) which are quiet expensive also. The form of owry was quiet simple in G1 group and dowry was never indicated by groom‟s side whereas in G2 lot of modern luxury items are becoming a part of dowry. The findings reveal that in high economic status group and medium economic status group expenses on marriages over time increased whereas for the low conomic status group the expenses are becoming out of reach. Number of traditional ceremonies and religious beliefs attached to marriage are significantly reduced. Land holding with bridegroom, restige issue, demonstration effect, following of traditions and to meet the expectations of in-laws were some of the important factors responsible for the phenomenon of dowry. Besides, caste and land holding, the outlook of the girl is considered as an important factor in selection process. Dowry proved to be a source of debtedness in both the generations i.e. 67.50% and 73.33% coupled with negative social and sychological consequences. Curiously, dowry proved to be a source of happiness for 61% of G2 while 23.06 % of G1 respondents. A new phenomenon of „reversal dowry‟ came in light in which girls heaving PR or eligible to take spouse abroad seeks dowry. Developing role models in the society, generating awareness largely through media and enforcement of strict laws were some of the suggestions by both the generations to arrest the phenomenon of dowry.