[yzhengyu]

Yes, it doesn't sound sensible. But you are already biased by the situation presented. But look at it from a perspective of a Indian instead of just a poor person.

In India, plenty of social standing comes from willingness to spend on lavish events/customs - like weddings - to entertain friends, family, guests.

So, there is value. Of the social type.

That's the problem with many current social welfare systems - the poor are dictated by the types of aid is given to them. We rather have an overhead of up to billions of dollars obsessing over procedures, checks, regulations etc to ensure "unacceptable" outcomes do not occur.

And in there is the tendency for corruption, fraud, etc.

[gijjk]

The social status from a wedding -- is that a positive sum status game, or a zero-sum game?