Inheritance vs Emotion: Why Hindu Daughters Often Forgo Their Property Rights for Family Harmony

Abstract

This study examines the complex interplay between legal rights and socio-cultural factors that influence Hindu daughters' decisions regarding inheritance claims in contemporary India. Despite legal reforms including the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005, which granted equal inheritance rights to daughters, empirical evidence suggests that many women voluntarily relinquish their property claims to maintain family harmony. Through a mixed-methods approach involving 847 respondents across urban and rural settings, this research identifies key factors influencing daughters' inheritance decisions, including family pressure, cultural conditioning, economic independence, and marital status. The findings reveal that 67.8% of Hindu daughters choose to forgo their inheritance rights, with emotional factors and family relationships being primary determinants. This study contributes to understanding the gap between legal provisions and actual practice in inheritance matters, providing insights for policymakers and social researchers.