Envision a woman dedicating her day to perfecting household chores, serving her husband dinner, and responding to his needs while setting her own aside. This isn’t a scene from Little House on the Prairie or the 1950s; it’s a 2023 reality in the US and UK.
Many women adopt a ritual of total domestic devotion daily, embracing ancestral principles and eschewing recent feminist accomplishments. From ’50s-style attire to espousing old-fashioned values, self-labeled “TradWives” uphold complete submission to their spouses.
The TradWife embodies what some call Housewife 2.0, with a twist on tradition
Women in their 20s and 30s are leaving jobs and school to depend entirely on their husbands. They embrace a time when “submission” to a spouse was commonplace.
These women strive for domestic perfection, maintaining their appearance and home as priorities. Yet they seldom make decisions without their husband’s approval. This picture worries many observers.
TradWives often stand for conservative, anti-choice, and outdated family values.
How has TikTok fueled the trend’s surge?
Women embracing the TradWife lifestyle focus on home and family while setting aside feminist ideals of equal work and independence. The movement began in the United States in the 2010s and has garnered fresh interest recently, partly by opposing the #Metoo movement.
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, play a big role. There, the hashtag #tradwife has amassed over 187 million views, with influencers such as Alena Kate Pettitt on YouTube and Estee C Williams on TikTok actively promoting and sharing tips for this way of living.
The trend sparks sharp debate. Some criticize it as a step backward, reinforcing sexist norms. They warn against glamorizing a woman’s submission to her spouse. Others defend it as a respectable personal choice, highlighting its fulfillment and support for family values.
Supporters argue it prioritizes family, which they find deeply rewarding. They believe it benefits society by upholding traditional values.
However, critics urge that women should freely determine their lifestyles, free from outdated societal pressures.
The Rise of TradWives: Empowerment or a Step Backward?
The TradWife phenomenon creates a rift—it’s both appealing for its supporters and concerning for its critics. Critics point out concerns that the trend might box women into a one-size-fits-all role, echoing days when society’s expectations weighed heavy on a woman’s choice— or lack thereof. They’re waving the flag for women to have the autonomy and empowerment to carve out unique and individual paths, without the weight of dusty, old-school ideals.
The question of whether this lifestyle represents a retreat from feminist strides remains a heated topic. What’s your opinion on this social resurgence?
