A sociological survey on dowry

In the Islamic family law system, dowry [Mehriyyeh] is one of the financial rights of women’s in marriage. Providing a literal definition of dowry, the paper states that the payment of dowry or something similar is an old tradition in the different family law systems of ancient civilizations. The social functions of dowry, such as satisfying the natural need, social security, guaranteeing the future, and the symbolic value are also brought into consideration. In addition, the paper adds that although keeping the amount of dowry at a low level is advised by religious authorities, high dowry is increasingly demanded _ a situation which has dire consequences such as a change in the manner of spouse selection, leading to animosity, the probability of abuse, and similar aftermaths. Finally, the writer proposes suggestions for controlling the tendency toward demanding high dowry in Iran.