Vintage Chughtai

The essays in this book examines sociological. legal cultural and economic implications of dowery. The connection between dowry or bridewealth norms and the status of women inheritance and its impact on women`s empowerment are discussed from the multiple perspective adopted by different feminist scholars. The essays examines the activist position vis-a-vis dowry and inheritance: should dowry be bycotted in toto or only its excesses? Is dowry a form of inheritance? Legal intervention is often seen as the most concrete means to address issues of equity but the dowry prohibition act of 1984 leaves room for manoeuvre: dowry as a `condition of marriage` is punishable but `voluntary gifts` are excluded from the ambit of the law . This book brings together intellectually stimulating analysis and radical activism in a cogent and comprehensive assessment of an issue and a practice that has preoccupied Indian feminist for last three decades. About Author : Srimati Basu teaches anthropology sociology and Asian studies at DePauw University USA. She has been involved with community work and research in the areas of feminist jurisprudence violence against women and development. She is the author of She Comes To Take Her Rights: Indian Women Property and Properiety (1999). Contents : Series Note Acknowledgements The Politics of Giving : Dowry and Inheritance as Feminist Issues Dowey and Brideprice Inheritance and Women`s Marginality Dowry related violence and its prevention Bibliography Contributors