The examination of the law on bride price under customary marriages in Uganda

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Date
2017-04
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Kampala International University; School of Law
Abstract
This research paper contributes a vital element to the studies, debates and literature on bridge price. While employing a systematic conceptual frame work to ground its analysis of the perceptions, experiences, processes and outcomes of bride price payment, it uses data collected from interviews, literature and observation to bring out the voices and experiences of the people most affected by bride price, that is, the men and women at the grass root whose voice has been missing in literature and debate. The study focuses on data collection in Uganda to answer the question: How do notions of' masculinity/femininity, gender, class and modernization influences people's experiences and perceptions on bride price? It also argues that with forces of modernization coupled with the desire for actors to conform to particular class status, the practice has turned too commercialized, lost its original meaning, and makes women appear like purchased commodities. The prohibitive costs have denied several young men and women a chance to marry. The paper recommends that much as it not necessary to abolish the practice (as demanded of several activists and legislators), serious reforms are required to remove the commodification and financial motives so as to make it affordable by many intending to marry.
Description
A research paper submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award of Diploma in Law of Kampala International University
Keywords
Examination of the law, Bride price, Customary marriages, Uganda
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