A recent TikTok post drew attention to the discussion surrounding how women in politics, including figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, are often referred to by their first names, while their male counterparts are typically addressed by their last names. The observation highlighted a broader issue across various professions, where prominent women are often identified by their first names, creating an implication of lesser status compared to men.
For example, it’s common to refer to Hillary Clinton simply as “Hillary,” while male politicians maintain formality with their last names. This trend extends to other fields, such as literature and science, where names like Jane Austen and Marie Curie face similar informal treatment against their male peers.
A study by the Mayo Clinic in 2022 revealed that female doctors are twice as likely to be addressed by their first names than their male colleagues, while a 2018 report from Cornell University found that college students were significantly more inclined to use last names for male professors than for female professors. Stav Atir, a social psychologist, noted that this trend often reinforces gender stereotypes, with women perceived as more approachable but less authoritative.
The TikTok user argued that using first names undermines women’s authority and infantilizes them. However, personal reflection led to the realization that many women, including Harris herself, prefer first names, suggesting a different perspective on empowerment.
In a personal narrative, journalist AnnaMarie Kruse shared her own experiences with names, revealing how her name, like many women’s, has changed over her life due to marriage. She expressed excitement about her new last name post-marriage, highlighting the significance of identity and self-perception linked to names.
Following a wedding ceremony, Kruse announced her professional name change, inviting readers to look for her work under her married name. She embraced the joy of sharing her life and identity with her husband while affirming her individuality.
Through her writing, Kruse demonstrates that a name is more than just an identifier; it reflects personal history and autonomy. Ultimately, she emphasizes her preference for being known simply as AnnaMarie, asserting her identity beyond the constraints of traditional naming conventions.