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Originally Posted by doortego  but what is the parents' investment? |
Back in the "olden days" it was customary for the bride's parents to provide a dowry to the husband/husband's family for him to take her. Basically, the dowry was a portion of money. Marriages of the past were a complete family affair--love had little to do with it, though it was a nice addition. If a girl's family could not put together a proper dowry, she often could not marry, and would have to find work as a nanny or a maid (hence the term "old maid") to support herself in life. Women had no opportunities for upward mobility, except through marriage. If you read Jane Austen novels, you'll learn all about the problems with that particular social convention. Plus, they are a lot of fun to read.