Op-Ed: The Rising Cost of Dowry Tradition in Married

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In Cambodian culture, marriage is more than just a union of two people; it is a ceremony steeped in tradition, family honor, and societal expectations.

One of the most significant—and often contentious—traditions associated with Cambodian marriage is the dowry system.

While dowries have long been seen as a way to honor the bride's family, they have increasingly become a source of financial strain and social pressure, influencing when and how Cambodian women marry.

Dowries, traditionally offered by the groom’s family to the bride’s family, are meant to symbolize gratitude and respect. In Cambodia, the amount of the dowry is often tied to the bride’s perceived social standing, beauty, and education level. Families of well-educated or accomplished women may expect a higher dowry, viewing it as a reflection of their daughter’s "value" in society.

However, this practice has evolved into a financial transaction that often places undue pressure on both families. Many grooms' families find themselves borrowing money or selling assets to meet these expectations, while brides may feel burdened by the implicit judgment that their worth is measured monetarily.

Conformity & Commodification

For Cambodian women, dowry expectations can significantly shape their marriage decisions. Many young women feel caught between societal norms and personal choice. Parents may encourage their daughters to marry earlier to ensure they "qualify" for a dowry before reaching an age deemed "less desirable." On the other hand, women with less formal education or from rural areas may experience lower dowry offers, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy or societal exclusion.

For the bride’s family, the practice reinforces social inequalities, as families with daughters often see the dowry as a way to recoup the expenses of raising and educating her. In some cases, this financial dependency leads to the commodification of marriage.

Women are seen less as individuals and more as a means to secure financial stability for their families.

This practice is particularly challenging for women from low-income families. Without the resources to invest in education or enhance their social standing, these women often face reduced marriage prospects and lower dowries, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The dowry tradition remains a deeply entrenched aspect of Cambodian culture, but as society evolves, so too must its practices. By fostering conversations around the financial and emotional impact of dowries, Cambodia has the opportunity to redefine marriage as a partnership rooted in equality and mutual respect.

For Cambodian women, breaking free from the constraints of dowry-driven expectations may be the first step toward building relationships—and futures—based on choice, not tradition.