I spent the last week thinking of my topic for my final paper. I knew I wanted it to reflect a topic of world culture that intrigues me, but was not sure which way to go. While at work, I come in contact with many people of different religions and cultural backgrounds. After talking with one family in particular the idea hit me like a brick. I now feel a lot better about the assignment.

Dowries

As I was reading and researching the practices of dowries, I just could not understand why a price needed to be placed on a person with regard to marriage. I understand that at one point it was intended for the bride to have in case her husband experienced an unfortunate death or to help with the expenses of a growing family. But to put a price on a person based upon their social status to give to the parents just does not make any sense to me.
Once my children get marriage, I hope to be able to give them a monetary gift to buy a home. I think large weddings are a waste of money and will not pour thousands of dollars toward it.
Thank goodness I have two boys and only one daughter.