Cultures are different and what the norms associated with even apparently identical practices (dowries in Britain vs dowries in India) could be entirely unrelated.
A more generous reading is that a dowry is the starting capital for the new family. In Russian history the dowry was considered wife’s property, but I understand that this is rare.
because like, I can sell my property, in addition to buying it—so I'm not really sure how that adds up, either.
> because like, I can sell my property, in addition to buying it—so I'm not really sure how that adds up, either.
Bodily organs are recognized as property and yet many countries forbid their purchase or sale irrespective of the owner's or purchaser's consent.
this does not sound like "property" to me, at all. it sure doesn't sound like the way things are done today, but, it does not sound like "property" either. as of now, I maintain that this popular shorthand is a poor descriptor.