Shim-pua marriage: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A direct translation of "Shim-pua" is simply "daughter-in-law." However, this old Taiwanese custom usually involves a family with inferior socio-economical status betrothing their young, prepubescent daughter to a wealthier family in exchange of money and/or other forms of payback, and the girl acts both as an adopted daughter (to be married with a young male member of the adopter family in the future) and a free labor. Due to her lowly background, discrimination is always present, and slavery-like treatment is not uncommon. Fortunately this custom is no longer in practice thanks to the booming economy in Taiwan since early 1970s.