What is your opinion of the dowry system that is used in some cultures marriage traditions?

I was having a chat with my girlfriend, when I learned that this used to be a practice in her country, and still today some times.

I know what I think about the dorwy system, but was curious to see what people on here think about it all.

In case you are not familiar with the term, dowry is a payment made to a family, often cash or jewelery, in exchange for permission to marry a son or more commonly a daughter.

In some places it is illegal, in others it is not. In some places it is seen as strange and sick, in other places it is seen as normal and expected.

What is your opinion on th dowry system?