Date of Award
2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
Department
Communication Studies
First Advisor
Kathleen Torrens
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determining whether surname choice of women who kept their name after marriage was a rhetorical choice. Five women provided a written narrative of their choice to retain their birth surname upon marriage. Investigators aimed to determine themes present in the narratives provided, and compare them to themes identified in previous studies. Analysis revealed evidence that the choice to keep their names was a rhetorical choice. Underlying this choice was the intent to be perceived as independent women with personal and professional identities. Pride in cultural and familial traditions was also apparent, as was a belief in non-traditional marital roles, an unwillingness to accept the ideographic role of "wife".
Recommended Citation
Ebeling, Mary-Rebecca, "WOMEN'S MARITAL SURNAME CHOICE AND THE RHETORICAL ACT" (2005). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1783.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/1783
Terms of Use
All rights reserved under copyright.