In the whirlwind of trends spanning apple cider vinegar remedies, Pilates routines, and the enigmatic aura of ‘main character energy,’ a curious phenomenon has taken TikTok by storm: the rise of “trad wives.” With 187 million views and counting, these women, reminiscent of 1950s homemakers, have become a focal point of both admiration and criticism, particularly as the 2024 U.S. election looms on the horizon.
At the forefront of this trend is Estee Williams, a TikTok influencer who has garnered significant attention for her portrayal of the “trad wife” lifestyle. For Williams, being a trad wife means prioritizing domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning while embracing a more traditional, subservient role in her marriage. Together with her electrician husband, Williams navigates life’s major purchases within a strict budget, challenging conventional gender dynamics along the way.
However, amidst the fascination with trad wives, there are voices of caution. Journalist Jo Piazza warns against romanticizing a bygone era, highlighting the potential harm of promoting a “false nostalgia,” especially among impressionable young girls. Piazza’s concerns extend to the implication of superiority that can accompany the embrace of traditional gender roles, urging a nuanced examination of the choices made by trad wives and the societal implications they entail.
As conversations surrounding trad wives continue to gain momentum, so too do concerns about their broader societal impact, particularly in the wake of debates over issues like Roe v. Wade. While Williams rejects the label of far-right extremism often associated with trad wives, she emphasizes the diversity within the community and the varied reasons behind their lifestyle choices. Against the backdrop of the impending election, the role of trad wives remains a subject of uncertainty and debate, prompting reflections on tradition, personal choice, and the evolving expectations of society as a whole.
