Question

How does marriage by exchange help families financially?

Hint:

Marriage by exchange allows families to avoid the high costs of bride prices while also fostering strong reciprocal bonds between families.

Answer 1

Marriage by Exchange helps families financially by eliminating the need to pay a bride price. In this practice, instead of exchanging money, families exchange daughters (or sisters). This allows both families to benefit from the alliance without the financial burden of bride payments, which can be particularly high in some tribal communities.
Step 1: The financial benefits of marriage by exchange.
In communities where the bride price can be a significant financial burden, marriage by exchange provides a solution by making the exchange of family members a form of reciprocal payment. By exchanging daughters instead of money, families can avoid the financial pressures associated with traditional bride price systems.
Step 2: Strengthening family ties through exchange.
In addition to the financial benefits, marriage by exchange strengthens inter-family relationships. Both families are linked through the reciprocal exchange, fostering long-term bonds and mutual support. This creates a network of obligations that can provide social and material support for both families.