‘Tradwife’ movement: They live like they are in the 1950s to protect themselves from Satan

The lifestyle they represent has been fiercely contested in recent decades by feminists who have called for equal rights or the right to abortion. ‘Tradwives’, who describe themselves as old-fashioned housewives, have taken over social media, proudly showing off their retro clothes, their cooking skills and their vintage beauty care. The videos are sometimes viewed millions of times.

In the US, two conservative hashtags for women are particularly popular: #tradwoman (traditional woman) and #stayathomegirlfriend (Stay home girlfriend). And the trend shows: they are spreading more and more all over the world.

In these Tradwives’ videos, they praise “tried and true” traditions. The woman’s job is to take care of the household, the kitchen, the children and herself. Or a world where “God created two genders to serve different purposes.” The moralizing and retrospective undertone should not be missing.

In addition to their rejection of gender equality and a world with more than two genders, these Tradwives recommend marrying a good man because…

He also provides a bank account, which then belongs to the household. “But he has the final say, because he is the one Provider and the woman is the Housewife.» There are clearly defined roles that the Tradwives promote. Roles where the man in the house doesn’t have to lift a finger, ‘except when it comes to lifting something heavy.’

The professional repertoire of a traditional woman must therefore be comprehensive: she must be able to cook, do housework and clean – but she must also regularly perform an activity that is only intended for her. The Tradwives also perpetuate gender stereotypes: for example, according to Estee C. Williams, one of the most successful Tradwives on social media suggests that a good housewife can sew, paint or play sports.

For example, she goes to the gym herself – but only when her boyfriend is with her. “To avoid certain situations.” Williams believes that a woman doesn’t need an education to feel fulfilled.

Her final advice: As a woman, be sure to pay attention to your own beauty, because “men are very focused on what is visible.” This includes exercise, a healthy diet, daily makeup, and clothing that flatters “the female body and gender.” Dresses, skirts and small blouses are most suitable.

Williams especially values ​​her husband’s clothes and hairstyle, “because the most important thing is that he is happy, since he works all day.” Moreover, one should not go out alone in the dark. As soon as she leaves the house to run errands, she sends her live location to her husband.

But a charming (but discreet) personality and an in-depth knowledge of cleaning carpet stains are far from enough to be a good craftswoman. It is also essential that one adheres to the biblical commandments and does not attempt to place them in a contemporary context.

Ergo, the Tradwife influencer believes that the wife should submit to her husband – because that is what the Bible preaches. But Williams is enthusiastic: Woman is not less valuable than man, that is simply the biblical framework; It’s not about being a ‘subordinate’:

Many women who adopted this 1950s lifestyle say they have no friends of the opposite sex. Ultimately, a woman must be satisfied with her man. Their husbands, who share the same conservative values, feel the same way: “You can’t hold a boiling pot on your lap without getting burned.”

What Tradwives also dislikes: abortion, pornography, the pill, having multiple partners and of course sex before marriage. If they have their way, “femininity must be protected as God created it.”

Coincidentally, the rise of this social media movement coincided with Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016. At that time, in addition to his well-known slogan ‘Make America Great Again’, another one appeared: ‘Make Traditional Housewives Great Again’. .

Some of these Tradwives feel like the world is going in the wrong direction:

The videos are being viewed critically in France: the High Council for Equality of Women and Men (HCE) has sounded the alarm. A recently published report argues that the Tradwife movement is setting society back with its ‘less than egalitarian’ ideas and endangering feminists’ long-standing fight for equality:

But on the other side of the Atlantic, far from French opinions and concerns, the Tradwives’ retro lifestyle continues to thrive – at least on TikTok.