Contemporary functions of ilobolo (bridewealth) in urban South African Zulu society

@article{Rudwick2014ContemporaryFO,
  title={Contemporary functions of ilobolo (bridewealth) in urban South African Zulu society},
  author={Stephanie Rudwick and Dorrit Posel},
  journal={Journal of Contemporary African Studies},
  year={2014},
  volume={32},
  pages={118 - 136}
}
The functions and meanings of bridewealth in African societies have been analysed extensively in anthropological and historical studies. Although bridewealth remains widely practised in Southern Africa, few studies have examined the custom in a contemporary context. This paper addresses the paucity of research by focusing on South African Zulu society where, among all cultural traditions, the payment of bridewealth (ilobolo) continues to be one of the most salient. On the basis of recent… 
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