article

The meaning of dowery: changing values in rural Greece

Journal of modern Greek studies • 1 (1) • Published In 1983 • Pages: 243-270

By: Du Boulay, Juliet.

Abstract

In this paper, Dubolay explores the change in the meaning and form of dowry since the 1950s. Traditionally for the family of the bride, the dowry was a burden, 'emptying the house' of its wealth, and reflected a general attitude towards women as inferior and morally vulnerable. However, the attitude of the groom's family was more favorable based on the daughter-in-law's contribution to the household and family reproduction. With the rise of a cash economy in the 1950s and 1960s the dowry changed from goats to money, and the evaluation of the bride from one based on her family honor to personal qualities based on such things as educational attainment. The scarcity of men due to outside labor opportunities has driven up the cost of dowry.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

Europe

Sub Region

Southeastern Europe

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2002

Field Date

1964-1980

Coverage Date

1930-1970

Coverage Place

Ambéli, Euboea, Greece

Notes

Juliet Du Boulay

Special Issue: Women and men in Greece: a society in transition

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

84642094

LCSH

Greece