The Economics of Gifts and Giving
Weddings, Dowry and Gift Exchange
Wedding gifts and transfers can support couples, but they can also turn into pressure and, in the case of dowry, a harmful and illegal practice.
A darker side of gifting.
Gifts
Relatives give cash, jewellery and household goods to the new couple.
Dowry
Demands for dowry are prohibited by the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, yet continue in many places.
Costs
Families may go into debt to fund weddings and gifts.
Change
Public campaigns and legal enforcement aim to curb dowry.
A loan for a wedding
A family borrows heavily to meet gift expectations.
Confusing voluntary gifts with coerced dowry
Dowry is illegal and harmful.
Key takeaways
- Wedding gifts are common.
- Dowry is illegal.
- Weddings can cause debt.
- Campaigns and laws combat dowry.
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