Identity in Transition
When flipping through the archives of local newspapers, you may notice a pattern—women at social events are often listed by their husband's name first, such as "Mrs. Hershel Wherry," rather than by their own first name. This was a common practice in the mid-1900s, reflecting the gender norms of the time.
Back then, a married woman’s identity was often tied to her husband's. Instead of being recognized by her first name, her role as a wife took precedence, with her title based on her husband’s name. This wasn’t just a naming convention—it was a societal norm that emphasized a woman’s marital status and place within the community.
This kind of naming convention wasn’t just about formalities—it also reinforced the broader societal notion of women as property or secondary to men, with their value often tied to their marital status. The legal and social systems of the time mirrored these ideas, limiting women's rights to own property, vote, or make independent decisions.
This practice was especially common in smaller towns, where formal events and newspaper columns followed traditional etiquette. But over time, particularly in the 1960s and beyond, we began to see shifts as women's identities became more independent in the public eye.
However, it's important to recognize that many of these patriarchal influences persist today. For instance, the gender pay gap, although narrowing, is still significant, with women earning only 83.6% of what men earn on average. Additionally, recent political actions, like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, have sparked debates about the erosion of women's rights, particularly when it comes to reproductive autonomy.
Beyond these, women continue to face challenges in healthcare access, workplace discrimination, and protections against domestic violence. Even in 2025, women's rights in the U.S. seem to be regressing in many areas rather than advancing, with laws and policies often rolling back hard-won gains.
The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media highlights how these deeply ingrained gender roles and stereotypes continue to shape how women are represented today. By pushing for more balanced and equitable portrayals in media, the Institute seeks to ensure that women’s identities are no longer defined by their relationships to men, but by their own voices and stories. This ongoing effort is a reminder that the journey for true gender equality is far from complete.
For a powerful, eye-opening look into this issue, consider watching This Changes Everything (2018), a documentary featuring voices like Geena Davis, Meryl Streep, and Reese Witherspoon. It exposes the systemic gender inequality in Hollywood and the media industry and was made in collaboration with the Geena Davis Institute. The film is available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Kanopy. View on IMDb.
A section of a program from a 1950s event listing the past presidents of a Marianna women’s group.
