DeanWuBlog

Ms.

I have always used “Ms.” in addressing women. I have been surprised that some people have asked why I do not use “Miss” and “Mrs.” It is good, however, to be challenged in one’s opinions, and it is always useful to review one’s rationales.

I have chosen to “Ms.” because it is a counterpart to “Mr.” in the sense that it is a generic social title applicable to people regardless of age or marital status. The use of “Miss” and Mrs.” in contrast distinguishes between unmarried and married women, suggesting that their marital status is a relevant factor even in a professional context; it is unequal in the sense that men are not similarly marked as unmarried or married. The use of “Mrs.” coupled to the husband’s given name and surname is even worse in this regard, for then the married woman ceases to have any individual identity that is discernible.

As it happens, “Ms.” is a word that has a distinct moment of acceptance in the mainstream. Etymologists seem to agree that it was the 1984 election, in which the Democratic nominee for Vice-President was Geraldine Ferraro, a member of Congress, that caused newspaper editors to adopt “Ms.” as never before. Ms. Ferraro had not taken her husband’s last name, and she indicated a preference for “Ms.” Even William Safire, the venerable authority on usage, acquiesced.

Of course, more important than any view I may have is the preference of the person who is named: the trumping principle is that each of us should have the power to declare for ourselves who we are. Thus, if any woman would rather be “Mrs.” or even “Mrs.” with the spouse’s name, I will defer to them.

 (More)