Reviewed by Ebony HowardReviewed by Ebony Howard
Engaged couples discuss whether one partner will take the other’s last name once married. Women have traditionally taken their spouse’s last name and passed it on to their children. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, 79% of women in opposite-sex marriages took their spouse’s last name, 14% kept their name, and 5% hyphenated their name with their spouse’s.
Key Takeaways
According to a 2023 survey, 79% of women took their husband’s name once married.The age and education of a woman affect whether or not they follow the traditional name change.Laws like the California Name-Change Equality Act challenged the tradition that only women take a husband’s name in an opposite-sex marriage. Name change costs vary by state in the U.S.
Challenging Tradition
Suffragist Lucy Stone challenged the long-held tradition when she refused to take her husband’s name in 1855. She was denied the right to vote in a local election in Massachusetts in 1879. Nearly 60 years later, in 1913, Frances Perkins, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet, married and chose to keep her maiden name, a decision met with applause by feminists and resentment from social conservatives.
Perkins stated, “I suppose I had been somewhat touched by feminist ideas, and that [was] one of the reasons that I kept my maiden name. My whole generation was, I suppose, the first generation that openly and actively asserted—at least some of us did—the separateness of women and their personal independence in the family relationship.”
During the 1970s, women fought against state laws for the right to keep their last names and use them to vote, bank, and obtain a passport. However, the 1980s saw a decline in the challenge to tradition. “The pressure is huge,” Laurie Scheuble, a sociology professor at Penn State who studies marital naming, told The New York Times. “This is the strongest gendered social norm that we enforce and expect.”
Why Women Keep Their Names
The age and education of a woman seem to affect whether or not they follow the traditional name change. In 2023, the Pew Research Center found that 20% of married women ages 18 to 49 kept their last name, compared with 9% of those 50 and older while 26% of married women with a postgraduate degree kept their name, 13% with a bachelor’s degree, and 11% with some college or less.
Personal branding and career choice also affect name changes. Many women who keep their names may do so when their careers are established and they are recognized for their achievements by their name, like Janet Yellen and Sheryl Sandberg. Beyoncé hyphenated to Knowles-Carter after marrying Jay-Z, and supermodel Chrissy Teigen kept her last name when she married musician John Legend.
33%
In 2023, only 33% of unmarried women surveyed by the Pew Research Center said they would take their husband’s last name.
LGBTQIA+ Couples
Even before same-sex marriage was legalized, laws such as the California Name-Change Equality Act challenged the tradition that only women take a husband’s name in an opposite-sex marriage. The 2007 law allowed one or both parties to a marriage to elect to change the last name the party is known as after marriage.
For LGBTQIA+ marriages, as in heterosexual marriages, taking either spouse’s name is a personal choice. Partners may choose one spouse to take the other’s name, both parties keep their last name, one or both use a hyphenated surname or a new surname can be created.
Cost and Documentation
When taking a spouse’s last name, the legal process happens on the marriage license and certificate. Blending names or creating a new name may require a court petition. The process varies by state, but the application is commonly filed with an individual’s county clerk. Costs vary by state and average between $250 and $300 as of 2024. Individuals must update a list of official documents and accounts, including:
Social Security numberDriver’s licenseVoter registrationInsurance policiesPassportTSA/Global EntryBanking accountsCredit cardsRent, mortgage, and utilitiesLoyalty programsEmployer’s HR office or payroll processorSocial media profilesEmail addresses
Does a Name Change Affect a Credit Score?
A credit report is not affected by a name change. However, if couples take out loans together or open joint credit accounts, a spouse’s financial habits will impact an individual’s score. Commonly five factors affect a credit score whether married or single: payment history, debt, length of credit history, new credit, and type of credit.
Should Married Surnames Change After Divorce?
As in marriage, couples can decide whether or not to change their names after a divorce. Individuals usually weigh practical considerations like account names, social security cards, passports, and whether or not children share a spouse’s name.
Does Changing Gender After Marriage Legally Affect the Marriage?
Changing gender after marriage does not invalidate a marriage. A couple’s marriage remains valid and all states and the federal government will recognize the marriage even if one spouse legally changes their gender after marrying.
The Bottom Line
Whether a woman keeps her name or uses her partner’s after marriage is a matter of personal preference despite historical traditions. All individuals can opt to keep their last names, and more couples are open to alternatives like name blending, using each other’s last names as middle names, or creating an entirely new last name.
Read the original article on Investopedia.
Reviewed by Ebony HowardReviewed by Ebony HowardEngaged couples discuss whether one partner will take the other’s last name once married. Women have traditionally taken their spouse’s last name and passed it on to their children. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, 79% of women in opposite-sex marriages took their spouse’s last name, 14% kept their name, and 5% hyphenated their name with their spouse’s.
Key TakeawaysAccording to a 2023 survey, 79% of women took their husband’s name once married.The age and education of a woman affect whether or not they follow the traditional name change.Laws like the California Name-Change Equality Act challenged the tradition that only women take a husband’s name in an opposite-sex marriage. Name change costs vary by state in the U.S.
Challenging TraditionSuffragist Lucy Stone challenged the long-held tradition when she refused to take her husband’s name in 1855. She was denied the right to vote in a local election in Massachusetts in 1879. Nearly 60 years later, in 1913, Frances Perkins, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet, married and chose to keep her maiden name, a decision met with applause by feminists and resentment from social conservatives.Perkins stated, “I suppose I had been somewhat touched by feminist ideas, and that [was] one of the reasons that I kept my maiden name. My whole generation was, I suppose, the first generation that openly and actively asserted—at least some of us did—the separateness of women and their personal independence in the family relationship.”During the 1970s, women fought against state laws for the right to keep their last names and use them to vote, bank, and obtain a passport. However, the 1980s saw a decline in the challenge to tradition. “The pressure is huge,” Laurie Scheuble, a sociology professor at Penn State who studies marital naming, told The New York Times. “This is the strongest gendered social norm that we enforce and expect.”Why Women Keep Their NamesThe age and education of a woman seem to affect whether or not they follow the traditional name change. In 2023, the Pew Research Center found that 20% of married women ages 18 to 49 kept their last name, compared with 9% of those 50 and older while 26% of married women with a postgraduate degree kept their name, 13% with a bachelor’s degree, and 11% with some college or less.Personal branding and career choice also affect name changes. Many women who keep their names may do so when their careers are established and they are recognized for their achievements by their name, like Janet Yellen and Sheryl Sandberg. Beyoncé hyphenated to Knowles-Carter after marrying Jay-Z, and supermodel Chrissy Teigen kept her last name when she married musician John Legend.
33%In 2023, only 33% of unmarried women surveyed by the Pew Research Center said they would take their husband’s last name.
LGBTQIA+ CouplesEven before same-sex marriage was legalized, laws such as the California Name-Change Equality Act challenged the tradition that only women take a husband’s name in an opposite-sex marriage. The 2007 law allowed one or both parties to a marriage to elect to change the last name the party is known as after marriage.For LGBTQIA+ marriages, as in heterosexual marriages, taking either spouse’s name is a personal choice. Partners may choose one spouse to take the other’s name, both parties keep their last name, one or both use a hyphenated surname or a new surname can be created.Cost and DocumentationWhen taking a spouse’s last name, the legal process happens on the marriage license and certificate. Blending names or creating a new name may require a court petition. The process varies by state, but the application is commonly filed with an individual’s county clerk. Costs vary by state and average between $250 and $300 as of 2024. Individuals must update a list of official documents and accounts, including:Social Security numberDriver’s licenseVoter registrationInsurance policiesPassportTSA/Global EntryBanking accountsCredit cardsRent, mortgage, and utilitiesLoyalty programsEmployer’s HR office or payroll processorSocial media profilesEmail addresses
Does a Name Change Affect a Credit Score?
A credit report is not affected by a name change. However, if couples take out loans together or open joint credit accounts, a spouse’s financial habits will impact an individual’s score. Commonly five factors affect a credit score whether married or single: payment history, debt, length of credit history, new credit, and type of credit.
Should Married Surnames Change After Divorce?
As in marriage, couples can decide whether or not to change their names after a divorce. Individuals usually weigh practical considerations like account names, social security cards, passports, and whether or not children share a spouse’s name.
Does Changing Gender After Marriage Legally Affect the Marriage?
Changing gender after marriage does not invalidate a marriage. A couple’s marriage remains valid and all states and the federal government will recognize the marriage even if one spouse legally changes their gender after marrying. The Bottom LineWhether a woman keeps her name or uses her partner’s after marriage is a matter of personal preference despite historical traditions. All individuals can opt to keep their last names, and more couples are open to alternatives like name blending, using each other’s last names as middle names, or creating an entirely new last name. Read the original article on Investopedia.
Amazon.com: Its Role in the U.S. Industry
Introduction
Amazon.com, often simply referred to as Amazon, has transformed from an online bookstore into a colossal global conglomerate that has fundamentally altered the landscape of retail, technology, and numerous other industries. Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s rapid growth and diversification have made it a central player in the U.S. economy. Its impact is felt across various sectors, including e-commerce, logistics, cloud computing, entertainment, and even artificial intelligence. This article explores Amazon’s role in the U.S. industry, examining its influence, achievements, and the challenges it faces.
The Rise of Amazon.com
Origins and Early Growth
Amazon began as an online bookstore in Bezos’s garage in Bellevue, Washington. The vision was simple but revolutionary: to create an online platform where people could buy books. Bezos recognized the potential of the internet to disrupt traditional retail and chose books as his starting point due to their wide appeal and ease of distribution. By offering a vast selection and competitive prices, Amazon quickly gained a foothold in the market.
The company’s initial public offering (IPO) in 1997 marked the beginning of its journey toward becoming a dominant player in the U.S. and global markets. Amazon’s early success was driven by its focus on customer satisfaction, an extensive inventory, and a commitment to fast and reliable delivery. This focus laid the foundation for its expansion into other product categories and services.
Diversification and Expansion
Amazon’s diversification strategy began with the introduction of new product categories, such as electronics, toys, and apparel. This move positioned Amazon as a one-stop shop for consumers, significantly expanding its customer base. The company also introduced its marketplace platform, allowing third-party sellers to offer their products alongside Amazon’s own inventory. This not only increased the variety of products available but also created a new revenue stream for the company through commissions on sales.
One of the most significant milestones in Amazon’s diversification was the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006. AWS provided cloud computing services to businesses, enabling them to rent computing power and storage rather than investing in expensive infrastructure. This service quickly became a cornerstone of Amazon’s business, contributing significantly to its profitability and establishing Amazon as a leader in the tech industry.
Amazon’s Role in E-Commerce
Transforming Retail
Amazon’s impact on the retail industry cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized the way consumers shop, shifting much of retail activity from brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms. The convenience of shopping from home, coupled with Amazon’s vast selection and competitive pricing, has led to a fundamental change in consumer behavior. This shift has forced traditional retailers to adapt, leading to the rise of omnichannel strategies that integrate online and offline sales.
The concept of “one-click shopping,” patented by Amazon in 1999, further streamlined the online shopping experience. This innovation reduced the friction in the purchasing process, contributing to higher conversion rates and reinforcing Amazon’s dominance in e-commerce. Additionally, Amazon Prime, launched in 2005, offered customers free two-day shipping and other benefits for an annual fee, further solidifying customer loyalty and increasing the frequency of purchases.
Impact on Small Businesses
While Amazon has provided opportunities for small businesses through its marketplace platform, it has also posed challenges. On the one hand, small businesses gain access to a vast customer base and the logistics infrastructure that Amazon offers. On the other hand, they face intense competition, not only from other third-party sellers but also from Amazon itself. The company’s ability to undercut prices and its control over the marketplace platform have led to concerns about fairness and market power.
Moreover, Amazon’s algorithms and data-driven approach to retail have raised questions about the transparency of how products are promoted and priced on the platform. Small businesses often struggle to achieve visibility without spending on Amazon’s advertising services, which can be costly. Despite these challenges, many small businesses continue to rely on Amazon as a vital sales channel, underscoring its central role in the U.S. retail industry.
Amazon in the Logistics and Supply Chain Industry
Revolutionizing Logistics
Amazon’s impact extends beyond retail into logistics and supply chain management. To fulfill its promise of fast and reliable delivery, Amazon has invested heavily in building a sophisticated logistics network. This network includes a vast network of fulfillment centers, advanced robotics, and a growing fleet of delivery vehicles, including drones.
Amazon’s logistics capabilities have set new standards for the industry. The company has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed and efficiency, challenging traditional logistics providers like FedEx and UPS. Amazon’s commitment to customer satisfaction has driven innovations such as same-day and even one-hour delivery in select areas, further raising consumer expectations.
In-House Logistics Services
In recent years, Amazon has taken steps to reduce its reliance on third-party logistics providers by expanding its in-house delivery capabilities. The launch of Amazon Logistics, a service that uses independent contractors to deliver packages, is a testament to this strategy. This move has enabled Amazon to exert greater control over the delivery process and reduce costs.
However, this expansion has not been without controversy. Amazon’s use of independent contractors has sparked debates about labor practices and the gig economy. Critics argue that Amazon’s business model places financial and physical burdens on its delivery drivers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification exempts Amazon from providing benefits and protections typically afforded to employees, such as health insurance and minimum wage guarantees.
Amazon Web Services: The Backbone of the Internet
Dominating Cloud Computing
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has emerged as one of the most significant contributors to Amazon’s success. As the leading provider of cloud computing services, AWS powers a vast portion of the internet, supporting everything from startups to large enterprises. Its services include computing power, storage, databases, machine learning, and more.
AWS’s dominance in cloud computing has had a profound impact on the tech industry. By providing scalable and cost-effective solutions, AWS has lowered the barriers to entry for new businesses, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Companies no longer need to invest heavily in physical infrastructure; instead, they can rent the necessary resources on demand from AWS.
Economic Impact and Innovation
The success of AWS has not only boosted Amazon’s financial performance but also contributed to the broader U.S. economy. AWS has created jobs, driven innovation, and supported the growth of numerous tech companies. Its services have become integral to the operations of many businesses, from streaming services like Netflix to financial institutions and government agencies.
AWS’s role in advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning has also been significant. By making these technologies accessible through cloud services, AWS has enabled companies to develop new applications and services that were previously out of reach. This has spurred growth in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment.
Amazon’s Influence on Entertainment and Media
Amazon Studios and Prime Video
Amazon’s foray into the entertainment industry began with the launch of Amazon Studios and Prime Video. These platforms have become key players in the streaming wars, competing with giants like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Amazon Studios produces original content, including critically acclaimed series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys, as well as feature films.
Prime Video, available as part of the Amazon Prime membership, has become a major driver of subscriber growth. By offering a mix of original content and licensed programming, Amazon has been able to attract a diverse audience. The company’s investment in high-quality content has not only boosted its streaming service but also positioned it as a significant player in Hollywood.
Impact on the Publishing Industry
Amazon’s origins as an online bookstore continue to influence the publishing industry. The company has become the largest bookseller in the world, both in physical books and e-books. The Kindle, Amazon’s e-reader, revolutionized the way people consume books, making digital reading mainstream.
However, Amazon’s dominance in the book market has raised concerns among publishers and authors. The company’s pricing strategies and negotiation tactics have led to disputes over revenue sharing and control. Amazon’s influence over the publishing industry extends to self-publishing, where its Kindle Direct Publishing platform allows authors to bypass traditional publishers and reach readers directly. While this has democratized publishing, it has also led to an oversaturation of the market and challenges in quality control.
Challenges and Criticisms
Regulatory Scrutiny
Amazon’s immense size and influence have made it a target for regulatory scrutiny. In the U.S. and abroad, lawmakers and regulators have raised concerns about the company’s market power, labor practices, and treatment of third-party sellers. Antitrust investigations have been launched to determine whether Amazon engages in anti-competitive behavior, such as favoring its own products over those of third-party sellers on its platform.
The company’s expansion into various industries has also led to concerns about its dominance and potential to stifle competition. Critics argue that Amazon’s control over data, logistics, and retail gives it an unfair advantage, making it difficult for smaller companies to compete. In response, there have been calls for greater regulation and even the potential breakup of Amazon into smaller entities.
Labor Practices and Workers’ Rights
Amazon’s labor practices have come under intense scrutiny, particularly in its fulfillment centers and delivery network. Reports of grueling working conditions, high injury rates, and inadequate breaks have sparked widespread criticism. Workers have organized protests and strikes, demanding better pay, safer working conditions, and the right to unionize.
The company’s use of technology to monitor and manage workers has also raised ethical concerns. Amazon’s reliance on algorithms to track productivity and enforce performance targets has been criticized for creating a dehumanizing work environment. The company’s resistance to unionization efforts has further fueled debates about workers’ rights and corporate responsibility.
Environmental Impact
As one of the largest companies in the world, Amazon’s environmental impact is significant. The company’s vast logistics network and rapid delivery services contribute to carbon emissions and packaging waste. Amazon has faced criticism for its role in driving consumerism and its contribution to environmental degradation.
In response, Amazon has pledged to become more sustainable. The company launched the Climate Pledge in 2019, committing to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Amazon has also invested in renewable energy, electric delivery vehicles, and sustainable packaging. While these efforts are a step in the right direction, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the environmental impact of the company’s operations.
