Not Demeaning the Dignity of Women: A Study on the Authentic Purpose of “Paca” (Bride-Price) in a Traditional Indonesian Society

JEBADU, Alexander and RAHO, Bernard and SEBO, Ferdinandus (2025) Not Demeaning the Dignity of Women: A Study on the Authentic Purpose of “Paca” (Bride-Price) in a Traditional Indonesian Society. Divine Word International Journal of Management and Humanities, 4 (1). pp. 1197-1216. ISSN 2980-4817

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Abstract

Nearly all previous studies on customary marriage in traditional societies indicate that the practice of bride price demeans women. It, therefore, should be abolished. This study shows the opposite. The bride price practiced by traditional societies has a sacred purpose. The practice upholds women’s dignity. To some extent, women are even worshipped as if they were fertility goddesses. In this study, “paca” (bride price) of the Manggaraians in Indonesia is taken as a study case. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found that nearly all informants reject the notion of “paca” as a practice of commercializing women. What is true is the opposite. Based on this study, the Manggarian “paca” is a sacrificial expense of ritual celebration in which the bride’s membership in her clan of origin is revoked. She will get it a new in the groom’s clan. Naturally, the cost of this ceremony is borne by the groom’s family. This is the core purpose of “paca” ritual of the Manggaraians, while other functions are extrinsic and are inappropriate practices that should be abandoned. The Manggaraian “paca”, then, should continue to be cherished for its life-giving purpose while one should remain critical of its inappropriate practices.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	300 – Ilmu Sosial > 360 Permasalahan dan kesejahteraan sosial > 360 Permasalahan dan kesejahteraan sosial; asosiasi 300 – Ilmu Sosial > 360 Permasalahan dan kesejahteraan sosial > 361 Masalah dan layanan, kesejahteraan sosial
Divisions:	77101 Ilmu Agama/Teologi Katolik > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Mr Alexander Jebadu
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2025 01:32
Last Modified:	24 Mar 2025 01:32
URI:	http://repository.iftkledalero.ac.id/id/eprint/2705

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