In medieval and Renaissance Europe, the dowry frequently served not only to enhance the desirability of a woman for marriage but also to build the power and wealth of great families and even to determine the frontiers and policies of states. These exchanges are not purely economic but instead serve to ratify the marriage and consolidate friendship between the two families. In many societies, dowries have served as a reciprocal gesture by the bride’s kin to the groom’s kin for the expenses incurred by the latter in payment of bridewealth. In this latter case the dowry may be seen as a substitute for her inheritance of all or part of her husband’s estate. In some societies a dowry provides the wife with a means of support in case of her husband’s death.

This function assumes special importance in societies where marriages have regularly been made between very young people the dowry enables the new couple to establish a household, which they otherwise would not have been able to do. Land and precious metals have often been used in this form of dowry and are frequently inalienable by the husband, though he might otherwise use and profit from them during the marriage.Ī dowry sometimes serves to help a new husband discharge the responsibilities that go with marriage. A dowry used in this way is actually a conditional gift that is supposed to be restored to the wife or her family if the husband divorces, abuses, or commits other grave offenses against her.

One of the basic functions of a dowry has been to serve as a form of protection for the wife against the very real possibility of ill treatment by her husband and his family.

Most common in cultures that are strongly patrilineal and that expect women to reside with or near their husband’s family (patrilocality), dowries have a long history in Europe, South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.ĭowry, the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband or his family in marriage.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.

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