Posted:
There are many reasons why women may still take their husbands' last name :
* it's traditional. They like the tradition. Being traditional and feminist are not mutually exclusive. Feminism is about respecting women's ability to choose what's best for them.
* For practical reasons. For ex, if you are entering a country claiming that you're married but if your passports don't show the same surname you may face issues at immigration unless you bring marriage certificate. The same is applicable for other important official procedures.
* Sometimes it may ultimately boil down to one's personal taste and likes. They might think attaching the husband's last name sounds cooler and like it more!
* Some may like the idea that everyone in the family share a common name. That brings them closer as one unit.
* Some feel it's romantic. Perhaps their way of telling their partners howmuch they love them and mean to them.
The bottom line is one can be a feminist and still prefer to make changes in the name for a variety of reasons. The ability to CHOOSE is what feminism is all about.
The same goes for men too. Men also choose wives' surnames for various reasons and couples even opt for a whole new surname. When we don't find anything wrong with that why women choosing to change their name should be any weirder.
Is it contrary to the ideals of feminism? No. The purpose of the name change is to indicate affiliation, not subordination. It would work equally well if he took her last name or they both changed their surnames.
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