Twitter
Advertisement

Ugliness a reason for dowry: HSC sociology textbook

In one of the 'reasons for dowry', along with other reasons like religion, caste system, social prestige and compensation principle, one of the more bizarre reasons given for dowry was 'ugliness'.

Latest News
article-main
In the chapter titled Major Social Problems in India, the Sociology textbook appears to dissect the dowry system which continues to be prevalent till this day
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The country may be in the league of developed economies, but when it comes to analysing social mindset, we fall far behind.

A class XII Sociology textbook, published by the Maharashtra state education board, has listed 'ugliness' as a reason for families to seek dowry during marriage. In the chapter titled Major Social Problems in India, the textbook appears to dissect the dowry system which continues to be prevalent till this day.

In one of the 'reasons for dowry', along with other reasons like religion, caste system, social prestige and compensation principle, one of the more bizarre reasons given for dowry was 'ugliness'.

The book dissects the reason why 'ugliness' is a reason for dowry demand. It says: "If a girl is ugly and handicapped, then it becomes a very difficult for her to get married. To marry such girls, the bridegroom and his family demand more dowry. The parents of such girls become helpless and pay dowry according to the demands laid down by the bridegroom. It leads to rise in the practice of dowry system."

The book has been in use by thousands of students for a few years now to prepare for the Higher Secondary Certificate board examinations.

However, some of the teachers feel that the chapter highlights a fact of society, and therefore, did not find the need to object about the content to the board.

While education officials remained unavailable for comments, state education minister Vinod Tawde said: "I have discussed the paragraph in the HSC sociology textbook with Maharashtra State Board Chairman Gangadhar Mhamane. I have given them necessary instructions. The sociology syllabus has been taught for the past three years. I do not think the issue should be politicised. We will chart out our next course of action after the state board gives its views on the matter."

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement