Should women be expected to change their names when they marry?

Topic.

of course not.
only when they want to

In some cultures though, women have no choice whatsoever.

its tradition to do so, however there are some times when a woman decides not to (quite often this may be for professional reasons) These days its quite common to give children the surnames of both parents when the woman decides not to take her husband's name.

they should have the choice and not be demonized for keeping thier name if they chose to

What's in a name? Pride? Having the same surname helps solidify the family unit. Children need a cohesive home environment. It doesn't matter who changes their name upon marriage, but it should happen either way - if you're not prepared to sacrifice a little pride for the sake of your children, I don't think you're prepared to have children at all.

I don't care, I'd change my name to my GF's when we get married if she wants, it wouldn't make the slightest difference to me.

Replying to #7

Well you won't get married because you're cheating on her with my mum!

I changed mine but only because my last name meant nothing to me. If it did and I wanted to keep it, I would have. Every woman deserves that choice without being guilted by their future husbands or families. I also hate when women are introduced as "Mrs. John Smith" et al as though when she marries, her identity becomes nothing more than an extension of her husband. It doesn't happen much anymore, but I see it from time to time and it really pisses me off.

athemoe · #8Well you won't get married because you're cheating on her with my mum!

But your mum wont take my name(unlike other things) so I'm moving on to a woman that will do as shes told. Like all women should.

I got rid of mine. Mostly tradition, the other part is love, and the last part is I didn't give a shit.

I'd only change my name if the new name wasnt horrible. the path i'm on, i may change it anyway cause i dislike my last name.if its a terrible name i just couldnt tolerate or if its foreign so i cant spell it.

buchichu · #9I also hate when women are introduced as "Mrs. John Smith" et al as though when she marries, her identity becomes nothing more than an extension of her husband. It doesn't happen much anymore, but I see it from time to time and it really pisses me off.

Well, back in the day, marriage was supposed to represent two people becoming one.

Replying to #13

traditionally, marriage is a trade between 2 families (union between 2 family who either business arrangement or as a mean to rise up in society or getting more political power)... at least in ancient china where woman sole purpose is to get into a wealthy family.thats why male side of the family give "Betrothal gifts" (payment) to the female side and the women who getting marry in joining the male side of the family and bare his family name.a male married into a female family is view as dishonor and consider cutting ties with familyat least that what my grandma use to tell me... (she always cry about how life would suck for being a woman in china and how lucky she got the chance to run into malaysia during the war, i think she was talking about WWII)

We get the two people becoming one thing but the decisions to change names should be available in case of undesirable circumstances. like a forced marriage, or a marriage to a person ur not sure u'll be with long enough to justify taking thier name.

Replying to #15

What are you talking about? And if you're not sure you want to be with someone, why in the hell would you marry them?

if u marry but u have doubts. people do it.

Man, to see the world through your eyes.

Nitemare_ Plague · #17if u marry but u have doubts. people do it.

I sincerely hope, for the sake of all that is good and holy in society, that you and your ilk never marry or procreate.

You really think it's that uncommon? It must be nice to be so idealistic.