The modern “tradwife” movement. What is this, really? The term trad wife, denoting the view of a traditional wife with traditional values, first appeared about six years ago when several millennial and zoomer housewives took to social media and showcased their idealistic, domesticated lifestyles.
These young ladies began to glamorize the iconic all-American woman of the 1950s as they posted photos wearing the classic frock dress and gown with an attached apron and high studs. Whether they are putting meals on the table for their family with a beaming smile, vacuuming their spotless homes or greeting their husbands at the end of the day with a passionate kiss, the message is to demonstrate traditional gender roles and the culture of the nostalgic time of year. Back when men were the sole breadwinners and breadwinners, women stayed home and were caregivers.
According Estee Williams, a 25-year-old traditional wife and TikTok influencer who inspires women how to cook, clean and maintain beauty for their husbands, “a master submits to her husband and serves her family. This concept is not derogatory nor is it considered to be less valuable than him. This is more common with traditional Christians.” Many of her recent videos share how to find a masculine man and give advice to questioning high school girls who want to learn more about the “old school” lifestyle.
@esteecwilliams What it means to be a Tradwife. #fyp #tradwife #cottage industry #housewife #traditional #tradwifecontroversy #womenschoice ♬ Musical Instrument – Gerhard Siagian
While this concept continues to grow and gain momentum on almost every social media platform, gaining traction, it’s clear that a younger generation of women are looking for men to lead, provide and protect them (Ephesians 5: 25-33). However, this movement did not come without a spark of controversy, even among religious circles.
How should we respond to this labor movement through a biblical lens?
The phenomenon of a traditional, simpler and older way of life is nothing new. After all, it is the circle of life as families pass on their traditions to their children. It is common for children to adopt some of these customs and part ways with others, perhaps starting something new. This is where we see old fashioned ethics and new terms like ‘trad woman’ come into play.
However, these improvised definitions are not synonymous with the Biblical housewife depicted Proverbs 31 the Titus 2. Where the master focuses on certain biblical points, she completely misses the mark on others. While there are distinct gender roles noted in God’s Word, we are all called to submit to Christ, first and foremost (James 4:7), and then to each other in marriage (Ephesians 5:21).
Where a mistress focuses on her husband’s outward appearance and authority, biblical womanhood encourages marriage to be rooted in faith and glorify God—together. Marriage is a bond where the husband is called to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and the wife is called to submit to her husband so that she can lead with confidence. There is mutual love, respect and honor (Ephesians 5:21-33).
The Proverbs 31 the woman seeks God’s heart (Mark 12:30), embraces her role as mother and wife, cares for her feminine beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4), is a happy giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), she serves with a kind heart and walks with purpose, seeking God’s will and way for her life. This can mean working inside or outside the home.
Titus 2 she is generally an older (wiser) woman who is presented as a role model and mentor to young ladies, training them to trust God and walk in obedience. They share the real meaning behind submission, which is to walk with dignity and grace, to honor God’s design for marriage, and to encourage new wives to serve and love their husbands and families with compassion.
As with any cultural trend, we must be careful not to get carried away by all its enticing and seductive influences and choose to seek God’s will and way for our lives by digging into His Word and seeking the Truth. The beauty of God’s Word is that it never changes (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, Malachi 3:6). In a world that is forever evolving, His Word remains the same. We can count on it – it’s a promise!
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Alexandra Girard
Video courtesy: esteecwilliams via TikTok
