In the following passage some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the blank no. 1 out of the four alternatives.
It is really tragic that in the (1)______ world of today, the evil of dowry continues to exist in all its horrid forms.  Many homes are broken and several families are driven to ruin only because they are too poor to ______ a rich dowry.  Previously, in the selection of a bride, her family background, education and her ______ worth used to be the primary consideration.  Now, dowry is the ______ and the only consideration in a majority of the matrimonial alliances.  As a result, dowry, which was at one time a token of love and affection, has become a ______ of oppression and exploitation of the worst order.
really tragic that in the ______ world

Options

A. progressive
B. regressive
C. conclusive
D. inductive