India has a diverse culture and traditions, but some practices, such as the dowry system, continue to harm people’s lives. Dowry is a monetary or material payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of the wedding. Despite the fact that it is illegal in India, the dowry system still exists, and it is directly related to the demand for government jobs in the region. This blog aims to investigate the impact of government job demand from the bridal side on promoting dowry culture in India, as well as the unseen impact on the bride and family’s mental health.
Government Jobs And Dowry system
Government jobs are in high demand in India due to the security, stability, and benefits they provide. However, competition for these positions is fierce, and many candidates resort to using their social standing and connections to land a job. Grooms families use the offer of a government job as a bargaining tool to extract a larger dowry from the bride’s family during this process. The dowry system is widespread in India, and it cuts across social and economic classes. The system is especially prevalent in states like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where there is a high demand for government jobs.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 7,024 dowry deaths in India in 2019, which equates to one woman dying every 75 minutes. These figures demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the underlying causes.
The dowry system has a devastating effect on the bride’s and her family’s mental health. The pressure of arranging a large dowry and securing a government job for the groom frequently causes immense stress and anxiety. The pressure is especially intense for the bride’s family, who bear the financial burden of the dowry. Many families go into debt or sell their assets to pay for the dowry, leaving them financially vulnerable.
Aside from the financial burden, the dowry system perpetuates gender inequality and reinforces the patriarchal mindset. It reinforces the notion that women are inferior and must pay for the privilege of marriage. This belief system is harmful to the bride’s mental health and reinforces the notion that women are not equal to men.
Impact Of Dowry On Women
The dowry system has a particularly negative impact on women. The demand for a dowry frequently results in the bride being abused, harassed, and even murdered. Women who are unable to meet the demands of the groom’s family may face verbal and physical abuse. Brides are murdered in extreme cases, and the crime is covered up as a suicide or an accident.
Furthermore, the dowry system reinforces the gender-based discrimination that women face in India. Women are expected to provide a dowry, and failure to do so can result in the marriage proposal being rejected. Women who are unable to find a suitable partner due to their inability to provide a dowry frequently face social ostracism and discrimination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the bridal side’s demand for government jobs perpetuates the dowry system in India, resulting in abuse, harassment, and severe mental health consequences for brides and their families. Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems among Indian women, with the pressure to meet dowry demands and secure government jobs leading to feelings of hopelessness and PTSD. Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability among women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It is critical to address the dowry system’s underlying causes and work towards creating a more equal and just society for women, free of discrimination and abuse.