Bride-Burning: The "Elephant in the Room" Is Out of Control

Authors

Avnita Lakhani

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This article is an attempt to answer the question of why the practice of bride-burning continues and propose alternative ways to not only look at the problem, but also to define workable solutions. It is only via a thorough conflict analysis of this complex issue that the world might rein in a problem that is clearly out of control in this day and age. Section II examines the origins of bride-burning, its continued practice, and societal ramifications. Section III analyzes some of the current and proposed efforts in place for banning bride-burning and punishing those who illegally engage in this disgusting practice. Section IV provides a conflict analysis of this issue in light of its continuing devastation upon women in India. Section V is a discussion on alternate, creative ways to resolve the issue of bride-burning in light of the conflict analysis. Finally, Section VI concludes with a call to action for victims, advocates, lawmakers, the international community and most explicitly, the perpetrators of this human rights crime, to put an end to a practice which, five years from now, will easily qualify as genocide of the women of India.

Recommended Citation

Avnita Lakhani, Bride-Burning: The "Elephant in the Room" Is Out of Control , 5 Pepp. Disp. Resol. L.J. Iss. 2 (2005)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/drlj/vol5/iss2/3