The trad wife trend on TikTok has gained significant traction over the past year. This trend glorifies traditional gender roles, portraying a lifestyle where homemaking is a woman’s primary responsibility. Trad wives, short for “traditional wives,” emphasize the importance of creating a beautiful home, caring for children, and being subservient to their husbands. The appeal of this trend lies in its presentation of a simpler, seemingly idyllic lifestyle that contrasts sharply with modern complexities.
What Defines a Trad Wife?
Trad wives share several key characteristics despite variations in their presentation. Some wear modest clothing and grow their own food, while others wear modern attire with impeccable makeup. However, they all create content that is visually appealing and palatable. This content often romanticizes the past, showcasing a time when women’s primary role was homemaking. These videos highlight traditional gender roles, making this lifestyle seem like a refreshing escape from the demands of contemporary society.
What Controversies Surround the Trad Wife Movement?
The trad wife movement has faced substantial criticism, particularly for its ties to far-right ideologies and fundamentalist religious values. Critics argue that the movement perpetuates a regressive view of gender roles, advocating for women’s submission and a return to a patriarchal society. Jo Piazza, author and host of the podcast “Under the Influence,” notes that the movement’s principles are deeply rooted in evangelical beliefs, which promote women’s subservience to men.
Is Religion a Significant Aspect of the Trad Wife Lifestyle?
While not all trad wives are overtly religious, many prominent figures in the movement have strong religious affiliations. Influencers like Nara Smith and Hannah Neeleman are Mormons, while Kelly Havens Stickle frequently incorporates Bible verses into her social media posts. The connection to religious fundamentalism is evident, with many trad wives following strict Biblical interpretations of gender roles. However, some choose to present their content without explicitly mentioning their religious motivations, focusing instead on the aesthetics and appeal of their lifestyle.
Why is the Trad Wife Content Appealing to Young Women?
The appeal of trad wife content, especially to young women, lies in its presentation of an idealized, beautiful lifestyle. Jo Piazza explains that this content offers a visually pleasing escape from the pressures and hostilities of the modern corporate world. Young women, facing the dual demands of career and family, find solace in the seemingly fulfilled and content lives of trad wives. This allure is amplified by the perfect portrayal of homemaking, which appears to provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
What Are the Implications of Embracing the Trad Wife Lifestyle?
The trad wife lifestyle, while providing a sense of fulfillment for some, also has significant implications. Liv, a 20-year-old observer of the trend, compares its rise to joking about getting a lobotomy, reflecting the exhaustion and frustration with societal standards for women. For many young women, the trad wife lifestyle represents a retreat from the pressures of contemporary life, offering a simpler, more controlled existence.
Can Trad Wife Content Lead to Genuine Happiness?
Some women, like Serena, find genuine happiness and inspiration in trad wife content. Serena, a 28-year-old mother, draws inspiration from Nara Smith’s videos, which focus on homemaking and cooking for her family. Serena’s experience highlights that, for some, the trad wife lifestyle can bring joy and fulfillment. She has embraced baking and making her children’s food from scratch, finding peace and purpose in her role as a homemaker.
What Are the Potential Risks of the Trad Wife Lifestyle?
While the trad wife lifestyle can bring joy, it also carries risks. Tia Levings, a writer and ex-fundamentalist, describes trad wife content as “lifestyle evangelism.” She argues that these videos often serve to recruit people into religious fundamentalism by presenting an idealized version of homemaking. Levings warns that this lifestyle can be a form of control, imposing strict gender roles and limiting women’s agency.
What is the Reality Behind the Trad Wife Fantasy?
Jennie, a 49-year-old creator and former trad wife, shares her experience to dispel the myth of the trad wife fantasy. Raised as a Mormon, Jennie married young and became a stay-at-home mom at the urging of religious leaders. Despite outward appearances of perfection, Jennie’s life was filled with loneliness and a lack of personal freedom. After her marriage ended, she found herself without resources or a work history. Through her TikTok content, Jennie aims to warn young women about the potential pitfalls of fully committing to the trad wife lifestyle.
What Lessons Can Be Learned from the Trad Wife Movement?
The trad wife movement offers both inspiration and caution. While embracing homemaking can bring joy and fulfillment, it is essential to recognize the underlying implications of this lifestyle. Women should consider their options carefully, balancing the desire for a simpler life with the need for personal agency and financial independence. As Jennie advises, it is possible to find a middle ground, where one can enjoy the benefits of homemaking without sacrificing career opportunities or personal freedom.
