Exchange Problems

In general, the series 'sister-exchange,' 'bridewealth,' 'dowry' is accompanied by decreasing female status.

Women may have extremely low status in dowry societies.

Dowry deaths and torture can happen when women are harmed or killed when their families fail to pay promised dowry.

In India, dowry deaths peaked in the mid 2015s at around 8,500 cases reported each year. Deaths declined to about 6,500 in 2022. However, it is likely that there are many additional unreported deaths.

In addition there are many cases of torture for dowry. In 2013 there were more than 100,000 such cases.