dowry system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dowry system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing cultural practices related to marriage, particularly the transfer of parental wealth to the groom or his family. Example: "The dowry system has been a controversial topic in many societies, often leading to discussions about gender equality and women's rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The dowry system is universal.

The New York Times

But probably the greatest factor is the dowry system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only had the suitable boy let me down, he had also perpetuated the injustices of the dowry system.

The New York Times

They carry the weight of the caste system and the dowry system, and they have no status.

The Guardian - Travel

Under the dowry system in India, for example, parents of older brides would typically pay more to prospective grooms.

The New York Times

Despite anti-dowry legislation, it is argued here that the dowry system continues in the form of the appropriation of wives' income.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The kind of society where dowry systems mean an inconveniently gendered child could bankrupt a family, or one where a livid patriarch deprived of a male heir could turn his fury on both mother and daughter?

The Guardian - Opinion

In May, Aamir Khan, the film star, started hosting a first-of-its-kind TV show, "Satyamev Jayate" (Truth Prevails), that deals with large social problems like the caste system, dowries, the overuse of pesticides, medical malpractice and alcoholism.

The New York Times

Among those is the system of dowry, in which the family of the bride is expected to give the groom and his family money or other gifts at the time of the marriage.

The New York Times

"We are in the business of wedding but are totally against the system of dowry.

BBC

Moreover, livestock plays several roles in smallholder systems such as dowry payments, status, initiation, ceremonial purposes and also as living "savings" (Ouma et al. 2003).

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "dowry system", provide specific context, including the region, culture, and time period you are discussing to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Do not assume the "dowry system" is uniformly practiced across all cultures or that its implications are universally negative; always acknowledge the specific context and potential nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dowry system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific cultural and economic practice associated with marriage, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dowry system" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used to describe a cultural practice related to marriage and wealth transfer. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various domains. While the phrase itself is neutral, the topic it represents often involves discussions of social and economic inequalities. The term appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. When using the phrase, providing specific cultural and regional context is essential to avoid generalizations. Overall, "dowry system" serves as a concise and widely understood term for a complex and often controversial social practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dowry tradition

Focuses on the customary aspect of dowry.

dowry practice

Highlights the practical application of dowry.

groom wealth transfer

Specifically mentions a wealth transfer to the groom.

bride's family contribution

Highlights the family's contribution to the marriage.

bride price

Emphasizes the payment from the groom's family to the bride's family, the opposite direction of a dowry.

marriage payment

Broadly refers to any form of payment or wealth transfer associated with marriage.

marital gift

General term for gifts exchanged during marriage, not necessarily a wealth transfer.

bridal gift

Specifically relates to gifts given to the bride.

conjugal wealth

Refers to the wealth generated or accumulated during a marriage.

patrilineal inheritance

Describes inheritance patterns favoring male heirs, which can be related to the dowry system.

FAQs

What exactly is the "dowry system"?

The "dowry system" is a practice where the bride's family transfers wealth, property, or gifts to the groom, his family, or both as part of the marriage agreement. It's often associated with cultural and economic implications.

Is the "dowry system" legal?

The legality of the "dowry system" varies by region. In some countries, like India, demanding or giving a dowry is illegal, but the practice persists. Other regions may have different regulations or lack specific laws addressing it.

What are some of the negative consequences of the "dowry system"?

The "dowry system" can lead to various social problems, including financial strain on the bride's family, gender inequality, dowry-related violence, and female infanticide. It can perpetuate the view of women as economic burdens.

What can I say instead of "dowry system" to describe wealth transfer practices in marriage?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "bride price" (if the groom's family pays the bride's), "marriage payment", or "marital gift". Make sure the alternative accurately reflects the specific cultural practice you're describing.