A Phenomenological Exploration of the Impact of Dowry on Brides Families: A Case Study of District Abbottabad

Abstract

A qualitative research method was used to investigate financial consequences on brides' families from dowry payments across Abbottabad. The researcher used a phenomenological approach to deeply comprehend the lived experiences of families which underwent the dowry practice.  Fifteen participants were chosen through purposive sampling because they had suffered from dowry-related financial difficulties within their families during the past five years. These participants consisted of brides together with their parents and other family members. Research data were gathered by conducting interviews in Pashto and Urdu language to give subjects full freedom during their expressive process. The research used thematic analysis to explore participant data based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) methodology which includes six key analysis steps. Results demonstrate that the dowry system generates extreme financial difficulties for families because it forces them to place their assets at risk and consumes their savings and compromises their economic futures. Families experience intensified pressure because of social norms which requires them to satisfy the expectations to preserve their social position. The study demonstrates how dowry exists as a gender-biased practice because brides' families bear the main financial burden associated with this cultural tradition. The emotional burden stemming from inadequate dowries results in stress together with anxiety and a helpless state of mind. The study presents multiple recommendations that address the financial challenges of dowry through public education about costs combined with legal enforcement and community assistance to minimize societal expectations on marrying families.