Tradition makes women change their birth-names after marriage. Most women agree with this ideology. This tradition is passed over from generation to generation. Some women, however, are reluctant on changing their birth-names. In this paper, we are going to explore the reasons why women should change their birth-names after marriage.

Arguments About Women Changing Their Birth-names After Marriage

The women who do not want to change their birth-names and take up their partner’s name feel that it would result to them thinking differently about their identity. Research shows that highly educated and young women are mostly the ones who fall into this category. The major concern raised is that by women taking their husband’s name it is a sign of weakness. It makes men seem superior to women. Career women even face detriment in their jobs.  (John, 2017, p. 115).

Most women do not have an issue with changing their birth-names. They feel that preserving traditions is good. Most of them feel that it’s not so big a deal and are okay with changing their birth-name. They have no problem with the idea and pass on the tradition to the next generation. Some feel that the name does not mean much to them. Others point out that the birth-name is just the name of the woman’s father. (Vincent, 2016).

A woman changing their birth-names after marriage is a sign of submission. Christians argue that God created Adam before Eve. He gave Adam the word which he was to teach the woman. The role of the man was: to take care of the woman, teach and protect the woman. The man was given the role of the priest in the family. This role people may interpret as the head of the family or leader of the family.  (John, 2017, p. 45).

Conclusion

I strongly believe that women should change their birth-name after marriage. It not only shows a sign of submission but of belonging too. The wife is able to show that she is one with the husband. No woman is however forced to change their birth-name. The woman should change her birth-name willingly. It is up to the woman to decide whether she feels like parting with her birth-name.

References

Booklet for women who wish to determine their own names after marriage. (1974). Barrington,  IL.

J, V. (2016, July 14). 5 Reasons Why Women Change Their Surname After Marriage (And When They Shouldn’t). Retrieved August 06, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.in/vrushali-j/5-reasons-why-women-chang_b_6977228.html

Why should women change their names on getting married? (2014, November 01). Retrieved       August 06, 2017, from http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29804450