Socioeconomic Implications of Dowry on Family Welfare in Developing Societies

Abstract

This study explicitly aims to analyze the socio-economic implications of dowry on family well-being in Dili, Timor-Leste, with a focus on the relationship between financial stress, social demands, and household well-being. Using a mixed methods approach, data was collected through a household survey of 80 respondents and was complemented by 10 in-depth interviews with community leaders, parents, and young couples. Quantitative data were analyzed by regression to measure the relationship between dowry expenditure and family welfare indicators, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis to capture cultural perceptions and meanings. The results show that excessive dowry spending significantly increases the burden of household debt, hinders investment in children's education, and strengthens unequal power relations in marriage. The qualitative findings also confirm that dowry remains seen as a symbol of social status and cultural legitimacy, which at the same time creates a tension between the preservation of tradition and economic sustainability. This study concludes that dowry has a multidimensional impact that goes beyond financial alone, so integrative policies and community-based awareness are needed to minimize its negative consequences. Theoretically, this research enriches the discourse on economic, cultural, and gender interconnectedness, while practically offering a contribution to efforts to improve family welfare in developing societies.