A change of surnames or recognition of affective ties?- The Southern Herald
On January 11, 2022, Law No. 21,334 began to be governed on the determination of the order of the surnames by agreement of the parents.This law allows people to choose the order of surnames, being able, for the first time in Chile to take the maternal last name before the paternal.The decision of the order of the surnames can be taken by those who register the person in the Civil Registry or by adults who wish to request change.
Already the first day of validity of the law, the hours available to carry out the procedure had been exhausted.This high demand responds to a social problem that feminist movements have been denouncing a long time ago, which is related to the lack of recognition of dedication, exclusive in many cases, of women to parenting tasks, and the visibility of theLittle participation of many parents in this work.
In addition, with the approval of the withdrawals of 10% of the AFPs, the amount of food pension debtors, the so -called "Papito Heart", who shouted in the sky were made public by having to pay all late monthlyities.On the other hand, those who decided to assert these debts were called "Mom Luchona", showing us once again how the roles and mandates are maintained regarding care and parenting tasks.
It is important to reflect on the implications that you can have on a personal level to choose the order of our last names and how this influences our own identity.The way in which we are appointed directly affects the construction we make of ourselves, our sense of belonging and the way we link with the world.The possibility of changing the last names can improve the subjective experience of the person, their psychosocial well -being and the mental health of it.
We can think, then, the change in the order of surnames as a confrontation to those dynamics that have remained unquestionable for so many years and that, many times, without realizing it, they maintain gender inequities (asymmetric power relations).Let's think about the promulgation of this law as a tribute to those who have raised and care, where identity is articulated around the surname that represents this and not only for commitment or tradition.
Francisca Cifuentesicologist, Clinical Supervisor of the Caps Psychosocial Care Center La Florida University of the Americas
