BrianPowell a sociology professor at Indiana University, says men taking women’s last names in heterosexual relationships is a very, very rare event.
This after a 32 year old south african man took his now wife’s last name in 2017.
Anthony Schieck says he wasn’t attached to his own last name since his father isn’t a part of his life, and he wanted to share a last name with his partner, after he learnt that her last name is very significant to her.
And so, Anthony legally changed his name on all government ID and all other administration related to the name change.
Powell, who researches gender, sexuality and family issues, says if there is a small increase in North American men taking their wives’ last names, it’s not by much.
Research also shows that gender norms still have a hold on society.
According to a 2017 international study, 70% of respondents said women should take their husband’s last name in marriage because they believed women should prioritize their marriage and family ahead of themselves, and taking their husband’s last name symbolized that.