Patriarchy In Patriarchy

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Introduction ‘What [was given] before the [nuptial] fire, what [was given] on the bridal possession, what was given in token of love, and what was received from her brother, mother or father, that is called the sixfold property of a woman. [Such property], as well as a gift subsequent and what was given [to her] by her affectionate husband, shall go to her offspring [even] if she dies in the lifetime of her husband.’ Laws of Manu (as cited in Dowry Murder, Oldenburg, 2010). “Dowry is a form of property women bring with them when they marry. In Punjab and numerous other patriarchal regions of India, it is called ‘dahej’ or ‘daaj’.(Oldenburg, 2002).” The roots of dowry can be traced in Manu’s concept of ‘Stridhan’ or the six fold…show more content…
It implies the institutions of male domination and entails female subordination.” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchy). The literal meaning of the term Patriarchy is ‘rule of the father.’ The concept of bride-price is means a girl is sold off to members of their future homes in return of some financial help. Poverty accounts for many girls being married off at a very young age. These young girls are not only subordinate to all the male members in their marital homes but also the female members especially their mother-in-law. Often these girls are subjected to the most atrocious treatment by her in-laws . This is therefore a manifestation of classical patriarchy. Often this results in a total break with her kin group because of the fact that she was sold and did not bring dowry. An important point in this would be that women by virtue of the status of a mother-in-law look forward to subservient daughters- in-law owing to their past experiences. A position of a mother-in-law gives the woman a sense of security and vests her with power to control another woman which I think again is a patriarchal…show more content…
The very fact that a bride is ‘Valued’ according to the material accompaniments she brings with her after her marriage reflects a patriarchal attitude. Women are mere commodities who are less valuable than their dowry. The quantity and quality of dowry determines the assertiveness of a woman in her marital home. However, being too assertive leads to a violent response on part of their male counterparts. An increase in the ‘Bargaining power of women’ (Kandiyoti,1988), leads to insecurity among the male members of their marital homes and they often suppress their women by means of physical abuse. Increased bargaining power challenges male supremacy and control and men resort to violent means to nurse their wounds. This is nothing short of a patriarchal
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