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Can Tradwives and Feminists Unite?
Unraveling The Rhetoric of Choice
Recently, I became aware of the online world of tradwives. In that exploration, I wanted to delve deeper into the discourse of this movement and its relationship to feminism.
Tradwives is shortened for traditional wives, a concept that isn’t new but embraces the feminist rhetoric of choice. Tradwives, in the wake of third-wave feminism, are not simply the result of capitalist, patriarchal subjugation of women. Instead, this categorization challenges second-wave feminism’s view of the traditional wife, such as Betty Friedan explored in the 1960s treatise “The Feminist Mystique.”
What is a Tradwife?
Tradwives specifically refer to women who embrace and prioritize traditional gender roles within marriage and family life. Many tradwives embrace conventional and stereotypical expectations, where the woman takes on the role of a homemaker, caretaker, and primary support for her husband and children. Further, this lifestyle is characterized by an emphasis on traditional values, domesticity, and a commitment to creating a home-centric life – often in the context of politically conservative values.
The concept of tradwives has sparked discussions and debates within various communities, especially in social media. The common refrain of proponents of tradwives is that it is a personal choice. This choice is just in terms of finding fulfillment in traditional gender roles. On the other hand, critics of tradwives claim that they reinforce politically repressive gender roles that limit a woman’s autonomy.
The Rhetoric of Choice
The concept of tradwives mirrors how feminists promote the “rhetoric of choice.” Tradwives “choose” traditional roles in their reinforcement of sexist gender roles. They find freedom in these traditional roles and argue that the demands on the modern woman are often unreasonable.
Some might say that tradwives bid farewell to the principles of modern feminism. They often reflect the “red pill” notion that the consequence of women’s rights feminizes, and thus oppresses, men.
Rather than believing that strict gender norms diminish women’s self-worth or promote inadequacy…
