Reply #18: The reason for this situation is the dowry system in India

[zalinda]

While it is illegal for a dowry to be offered or accepted, it still exists. A girl's family has to pay for the boy's family to take the girl as their son's bride. The richer the girl's family is, the higher the asking price. Some girls have been punished by the groom's family if her dowry is not large enough, or slow in coming. Women aren't second class citizens in some areas of India, they are considered less than live stock.

In both China and India, it is self preservation that has resulted in this despicable practice. In China, a boy will stay with his family and take care of them as they age. In India, a boy will bring in money from a dowry, thus insuring a better survival. In both countries, the brides are treated very poorly, and they pass on the tradition when their son's bride enters the picture, as they are treated like slaves, as their elders had been when they were young.

zalinda