One of the basic function of a dowry has been to serve as a form of protection for the wife against the very real possibility of ill treatment by her husband and his family. What is Dowry ? A "Dowry" is a transfer of parental property, gifts, property or money upon the marriage of a daughter. Dowry contrasts with the related concepts of bride price and dower. One of the basic functions of a dowry has been to serve as a form of protection for the wife against the very real possibility of ill treatment by her husband and his family. The main reason of dowry is the expectations that a dowry will be given at the time of the bride and groom's engagement is to compensate for the groom's education, career and wealth. The bride's education, career and wealth are completely disregarded as she is not given equal societal status to a men. Difference between Bride price and Dowry A Bride price is money or something of ...