Evolution of surname distribution under gender-equality measurements

TL;DR

This paper models how gender-equality measures in Spain, which determine surname inheritance based on alphabetical order, influence surname distribution and bias, providing insights into societal and cultural impacts.

Contribution

It introduces a mathematical model to analyze the effects of gender-equality surname policies on surname distribution and alphabetical bias in Spain.

Findings

Alphabetical order policies bias surname distribution

Quantitative analysis of surname evolution under new rules

Impact assessment of gender-equality measures on cultural heritage

Abstract

We consider a model for the evolution of the surnames distribution under a gender-equality measurement presently discussed in the Spanish parliament (the children take the surname of the father or the mother according to alphabetical order). We quantify how this would bias the alphabetical distribution of surnames, and analyze its effect on the present distribution of the surnames in Spain.