CULTURAL CURRENCY: INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRIDE PAYMENTS AND FERTILITY DECISIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Abstract
This study examines the impact of bride payments, a significant cultural and economic element within the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, on the economic independence of women within households and its potential influence on fertility decisions. Previous research has highlighted the pivotal role of economic independence in shaping fertility choices among women. Greater economic autonomy may expand women's decision-making power within households, potentially affecting fertility outcomes.
In the context of the MENA region, where women's roles in economic and public life have evolved significantly, the study investigates the empirical relationship between bride payments and women's empowerment. These payments, intrinsic to marriage contracts and often associated with the Mahr in Islamic law, play a crucial role in the financial dynamics of marriages in the region. Despite their historical and cultural significance, bride payments remain relatively unexplored by economists in the context of the MENA region.
Utilizing data from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, this research seeks to shed light on the economic implications of bride payments and their potential influence on women's economic autonomy within households. The study's findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cultural practices, economic dynamics, and women's empowerment in the MENA region.
Keywords:
Bride Payments, Economic Independence, Fertility Decisions, Women's Empowerment, MENA RegionDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. Fatima A. Al-Mansoori, Dr. Ahmed M. Al-Saud
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