Mademoiselle no longer
Alexandria Sage

Official French documents will no longer force women to reveal their marital status by requiring them to choose the title “Mademoiselle” or “Madame”. French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has ordered to remove the title “Mademoiselle” — used for unmarried women and implying a youthful immaturity — from official documents. From now on, people will get just two choices: “Madame” or “Monsieur”.

The change comes after lobbying from women’s groups who argued that “Mademoiselle” is sexist. Its male equivalent—Monsieur—does not distinguish marital status. Mademoiselle also carries connotations of youth and immaturity, making it potentially problematic for unmarried women after a certain age.

Respondents on official documents will also no longer be asked to supply their maiden names, their father’s last name, or the name of their husbands.

“Far from being flattering, the title “Mademoiselle” obliges women to divulge their private life, as if marriage conferred a superior value on women,” wrote the campaign. “It’s a reminder of the time when women passed, through marriage, from the authority of their fathers to the authority of their husbands.” — Reuters

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