Shawn
Culture is a way of life of people, but culture evolves along with time; culture is never static, it evolves (slightly or drastically) as time goes on.
Back in the days, the bride price system was a part of many cultures in the world to prove that the man was actually capable of taking care of his bride or as a token of appreciation to the bride’s parents. Most families ensured that the man paid the bride price in full or the daughter wouldn’t be allowed to marry him. Maybe this system worked for them in those days but not these days.
In many climes in Africa, many fathers use the bride price as an opportunity to milk their supposed son-in-law of money and other valuables. I mean, is the bride price system supposed to prove that the groom is really capable or is it now an extortion process?
More interestingly, many countries that hold on to this bride price culture are third world countries where economic hardship prevails. The bride price culture has become so expensive that fewer men get married these days, with many women short of potential suitors. The essence of the bride price was for pride and respect, but that is fast losing ground.
Also, a lot of men see themselves as lords over their wives simply because they paid the bride price, and it’s normal for men in these parts to brag and abuse their wives — “after all I paid your bride price they would say”. Does this not beat the essence that made bride price an important part of many cultures in the world today?
In modern times, bride price has brought more bad than good and I believe it’s time to say goodbye to this culture or at least modify it.
What’s your opinion about the bride price?