Why was dowry important in the Renaissance?

Question

Why did people care about it?

Why was it an issue in negotation?

Thanks :))

Answer 1

Well a dowry was what the woman gave her husband as a part of the wedding.  

Answer 2

Women were (allegedly) worthless.

Girls fathers had to pay men to take them "off their hands."

The size of the dowry was considered the measure of the man - the father. He'd plunge his family into poverty to look good to the neighbors.

All most of them wanted was a maid and a piece of  ...

Women are the basis of this World, yet for thousands of years they were considered worthless. In China, with their one child policy, girls babies have been known to be killed at birth - so there would be room for the eventual son.  This is happening NOW!

We're still playing "catch-up."

Answer 3

why?