Question

What is a key reason for marriage by capture in tribal communities?

Hint:

Marriage by capture often arises in situations where the bride price is too high for the groom to afford, leading him to forcibly take the bride in a socially accepted manner.

Answer 1

A key reason for Marriage by Capture in tribal communities is the inability to pay the bride price. In societies where the bride price is a significant requirement for marriage, young men who cannot afford this price may resort to capturing a bride as a means of marriage. This practice often arises in communities where resources are scarce, and paying for a bride is financially out of reach.
Step 1: The economic impact of bride price.
In many tribal communities, the bride price is considered an essential part of marriage. It serves as a way to compensate the bride’s family for the loss of a daughter and to affirm the groom's ability to support her. However, the high cost of the bride price can be prohibitive, especially for young men who do not have the financial means. This leads to practices like marriage by capture, where the groom forcibly takes the bride without paying the bride price.
Step 2: The ceremonial aspect of marriage by capture.
Although it may seem like an act of force, marriage by capture often involves ceremonial aspects, where the community may support or condone the act. In some tribes, this practice is ritualistic, and the captured bride may later be accepted into the groom's family after completing certain rites and rituals.