Final answer:
Bride service is a form of marital economic exchange where a man works for his bride's family either before or after marriage. This contrasts with bride wealth, where value is transferred to the bride's family, and dowry, which the bride brings into the marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bride service is a type of marital economic exchange which can be defined as a contracted labor arrangement where a future groom works for the bride's family, either before or after their marriage. This work often takes place in the household of the bride's father and can last for months or years. There are two main types of bride service. In the first case, the groom completes this service before the marriage and then moves with the bride back to his family post-marriage. In the second case, the couple resides with the bride's family until the service is completed, which can provide support for the couple and any children born during this period.
Comparatively, bride wealth, also known as bride price, involves a transfer of value from the groom's family to the bride's family and may include money, cattle, jewelry, or other goods. Conversely, the dowry is a form of marriage compensation that the bride brings into her marriage, which may comprise money, jewelry, and household items, varying greatly based on societal and cultural practices.
The contractual aspects of these traditional practices, including bride wealth and dowry, can lead to conflicts within lineages or larger society, especially in situations of marital difficulty, economic disparity, or issues around childbirth and inheritance.