The term ‘trad wife’ is taking social media by storm.
There was the “Girl Boss,” and now… there’s the “Trad Wife.” Gen Z is ditching one for the other.
The term Girl Boss has circulated the internet for a few years. It’s used to describe a woman who is successful and ambitious in her career, especially as a businesswoman or entrepreneur. Now it appears the “Trad Wife,” which is short for “Traditional Wife,” is the new label to embrace, at least on social media. It describes a married woman who embraces traditional gender roles. Her full-time job is homemaking. As we consider the pendulum shift, it’s a natural curiosity to ask why?
Cami Packer, a passionate advocate for home and family life, shared her thoughts on this new wave of interest.
Cami believes that in our chaotic world, many, especially the younger generation, are seeking a simpler life focused on home and family. “There’s part of us, especially the younger generation, who’s done with chaos, who wants to embrace a simpler life, focused on home and family, focused on embracing their instinct to nurture,” she explained.
The Pendulum Shift
Much of Gen Z was raised by women who were programmed to be the girl boss. This generational shift is evident as young women express a desire for a different experience in their homes.
“I think one generation always learns from the previous generation. We learn and then make changes,” Cami noted. She also pointed out that burnout from being pulled in different directions may contribute to this shift.
Social media plays a significant role in the trad wife movement. Cami explained that many women who embrace this lifestyle are strong, capable, and wise, creating beautiful homes and finding joy in it. So, these young girls are inspired by it.
Host, Brooke Walker added her thoughts. She said, “The term ‘feminism’ has come to mean different things to different people, but at its heart is the concept of choice.” These women are choosing a lifestyle that is meaningful and worthwhile to them.
“This is a celebration of femininity. It’s a celebration of that choice,” Brooke said.
Modern Homemaking
When we think of homemaking, some might conjure up images of a 1960s woman in a bonnet. However, “I think a modern homemaker is only half of a team, a partnership,” Cami explained. Both husband and wife bring their best to take care of each other and their children, working together and relying on each other.
Defining Homemaking
Cami defined homemaking as cultivating a climate where growth can happen. “To me, homemaking is saying, ‘I know life is challenging and I can’t solve all your difficulties, but if you are hungry, I have a plate of food for you. If you need clean clothes or a comfortable bed, I can prepare that for you. If you need encouragement or a listening ear, I’m here for you.’”
Homemaker Values
Cami lives by three homemaker values:
- Importance of Home: “We’ve been called the homeless generation. We’re talking about people who have a lack of roots, feeling that they belong, feeling a strong family culture, a strong family identity, and all of those things can come from our homes,” Cami said.
- Take Ownership: “Taking ownership means we roll up our sleeves and we make home what we want it to be. We don’t feel like a victim of work or of our homes or our circumstances,” Cami emphasized.
- Celebrate Contentment: “The ultimate way to be a rebel in today’s world is to choose to say, ‘What I have is enough and I’m grateful for it,’” Cami said.
“We can find beauty in any circumstance and any home. Usually, beauty is found in the most simple things in our home,” Cami said.
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