Explain Bride price.

Bride Price: A Cultural Transaction in Matrimonial Alliances

Bride price, also known as bride wealth or bride token, is a cultural practice where the groom or his family provides gifts, money, or goods to the bride's family as part of the marriage arrangement. This practice is prevalent in various societies globally and carries significant cultural and economic implications.

The bride price serves as a symbolic gesture to compensate the bride's family for the loss of her economic and reproductive contributions to their household. It reflects social and economic dynamics, reinforcing social bonds between families. The nature of the bride price varies widely across cultures, ranging from symbolic tokens to substantial material offerings. While the practice has cultural significance, critics argue that it can perpetuate gender inequalities by commodifying women and reinforcing traditional gender roles. In contemporary contexts, the interpretation and application of bride price continue to evolve, sometimes becoming a subject of social debate and legal considerations.