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…
