This exciting new volume debunks overly simplistic conceptions of Dowry. Taking a variety of theoretical and active approaches, this work bridges the gap between today's prevailing theory and practice, whilst taking South Asian women's own experiences as a starting point to any discussion. Bringing a unique diversity of perspectives from leading academics and activists, this book opens up the term "Dowry" to undertake a study of its role in various communities across the world from the practice of "mehr" among Muslim societies, the role of the dowry in Bangladesh, and its position in the...

This book is concerned with the argument that religious traditions are inherently environmentally friendly. Yet in a developing country such as India, the majority of people cannot afford to put the 'Earth first' regardless of the extent to which this idea can be supported by their religious traditions. Does this mean that the linking of religion and environmental concerns is a strategy more suited to contexts where people have a level of material security that enables them to think and act like environmentalists? This question is approached through a series of case studies from Britain and...