Dowry, activism and globalisation

This chapter seeks to critically explore the continued practice of dowry in the lives of South Asian women despite prominent and unrelenting activism from within the women’s movement. Particularly in India the practice continues unabated with evidence that it has in fact increased. This chapter will, through presenting a specific state level study of perceptions and experiences of dowry in Kerala, South India, dig into the strands and dimensions sustaining dowry focusing on its harmful impact. The chapter will go on to consider how and why dowry sustains itself within the wider patriarchal order despite global, national and local efforts to eradicate it.