Introduction

The Dowry is a large asset given by the family of the bride to the husband in order to create a marriage contract that actually counteracts Hypergamy.

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Body

The Dowry concept actually came before what we remember as Marriage 1.0:

The Code of Hammurabi, Babylonian law written in the 1750s BC, provides one of the earliest forms of written law in human history.

(taken from ROK - "Why We Should Reinstitute The Dowry")

So here's how it might work today.

  • The woman says:

"Why don't we get married?"

  • The man replies:

"If we are to marry your family must give me $50k as a Dowry which I will place in a Trust Fund which will one day go to our future children."

  • Woman is stunned, she questions:

"What do you need the $50k Dowry for?"

  • Man confidently replies:

"Honey, I know you feel love for me today, but a women's feelings can change by the hour. If you want a divorce and we have children I need the Dowry to help pay for child support."

  • Woman replies:

"But if we are married don't I get half your assets anyway?"

  • Man explains:

"No, in most cases property or assets acquired before marriage remain in the hands of the original owner. The Dowry would be transferred and the Trust Fund set up before signing the marriage contract. A pre-nuptual could be written to formalize this agreement and eliminate any ambiguities."

  • Woman feeling shaky says:

"But my family would be horrified if I divorced... they would hate me forever because my failure in marriage would cost them the Dowry."

  • Man smiles:

"Yes, that would create serious dread for you. It will make you less prone to divorce based on feelings alone."

  • Woman mumbles:

"Well I don't want to get married then."

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Conclusion

You want to knock down questions about marriage?

Ask for a Dowry.

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