Should Women Change Their Surnames Upon Marriage?

By Staff

Monday, August 17, 2009, 13:54

Should women change their surname after the marriage? It has been a long debated question so far! In a patriarchal culture like in India, many women even have changed their name as per the instruction of their in laws.

In the recent days, many Americans think that it is better for women to change their surname upon marriage. This opinion came on the face of the movement concentrating on gender-neutral language, such as "chairperson". We're moving toward a more equal family, yet there's no indication that we're seeing a similar move to equality when it comes to names.

If names are a core aspect of one's identity, this opinion is an important one. There are all these reports and indicators that families are changing, that men are contributing more! Interestingly many men also find that it would be "OK" for a man to change his name to that of his wife.

Male name change was so implausible that many people off-handedly or hesitantly agreed it would be OK. Advocates of women changing their names emphasize a family and marital identity for women, indicating one family name makes more sense from a family and societal point of view. They rely on religion and tradition as the authority in this area.

Name change critics focus on the importance of women's independent identities, and to the ways they benefit individually, such as professionally, by keeping their own name. They also think the decision should be left up to the women.