Title

Modernization, inter-caste marriage, and dowry: An analytical perspective

Abstract

As economic growth and development occurs in India, it has been thought that dowry would decline as an institution. However, the practice of dowry has rapidly spread to regions in India where previously it was not extensively practiced and dowry inflation may be occurring. In this paper, a simple analytical model of dowry, based upon caste determined status differentials, is developed. The model assumes that some inter-caste marriage occurs. The implications of the model are that gross dowry inflation is fueled by economic growth, but net dowry remains unchanged. More importantly, unequal growth stimulates an expansion of the practice of dowry to lower castes.

Department(s)

Economics

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asieco.2008.07.001

Keywords

Dowry, Inter-caste marriage, Marriage premium, Modernization, Social status

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Journal Title

Journal of Asian Economics

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