Assignment #2

Status & Power Issues

Dowries

• Dowries Blamed for Ugandan Wife Beatings
• Indian Woman Strips in Dowry Row
• Bride Duping
• Fighting India's Dowry Crime

Honor Killings

• A Dishonourable Practice
• Pakistan Begins Inquiry into Deaths of Five Women
• Jordan Honour Killing
• German Rescue from Honour Killing

Son Preference

• Cash Incentives For Raising Girls

Marriage

• Single Mothers in China Forge a Difficult Path
• Tiny Voices Defy Child Marriage in Yemen
• In India, an Institute for Ideal Wives

1. What was traditionally the purpose of a dowry?  How and why has this changed?  What other options do women and families have and/or pursue?  Are you aware of anything that resembles a dowry in American society?
    
2. How does marriage accord or afford status to women?
    
3. What is the rationale for 'honor killings'?
    
4. What are the implications of 'wife training' for the development of India?  Does this kind of thing happen in the US? 
    
5. Considering all relevant articles, what reasons are given for violent acts against women?  Who are the people responsible for this violence?
    
6. Considering all relevant articles, is passing legislation making dowries, bride burning, honor killings, or ending 'son preference' a useful way to combat these issues?  What are the positive and negative effects of such a policy and approach to these issues?