What happens when traditional gender roles meet modern feminism? In this episode of Murder of Crones, Kori, Jen, and Zab unpack the rise of the Tradwife movement—looking beyond the aesthetic to question power, choice, and control. Is it genuine empowerment, or a return to limiting roles shaped by religion and politics? Are Tradwives anti-feminist… or feminism in action? Listen in and decide.
Show Notes
Takeaways:
00:00 - Introduction: the rise and cultural aesthetic of Tradwives
02:00 - Social media's influence on Tradwife culture
03:13 - Initial reactions: admiration, confusion, alarm
03:38 - Tradwives as a step backward for feminism
04:01 - Wealth and visibility in Tradwife portrayals
05:03 - Traditional model: roles, submission, and gender dynamics
06:49 - Visual aesthetics and curated femininity
07:46 - Morphed and adapted social media presence
08:38 - Gender differences and role delineation
09:04 - Trust and decision-making in Tradwife relationships
10:11 - The importance of partnership vs hierarchy
11:00 - Vulnerabilities: losing skills, economic insecurity
12:06 - Historical context: 1950s family ideals
13:16 - Religious and conservative political influences
14:37 - Social media promotion and the glamorization of domestic skills
16:12 - Economic autonomy and potential risks for women
17:18 - The appeal amid burnout and social chaos
18:29 - Declining marriage rates and social trends
19:25 - The racial and nationalist undertones of procreation drives
21:17 - Impact on children and religious influences on gender roles
22:39 - Religious and conservative currents in the Tradwife movement
25:41 - The intersection with politics, legislation, and social policy
28:49 - Submission, obedience, and power structures in relationships
36:32 - The branding and monetization of Tradwife influencers
44:51 - Social media as a marketing platform and industry for Tradwives
55:21 - The dangerous undercurrents: white nationalism, religious fundamentalism
60:27 - Feminism and choice: navigating autonomy vs societal pressures
62:41 - The importance of political engagement and education
64:29 - The role of legislation and the need for social vigilance
66:01 - The importance of critical thinking and empathy in education
66:39 - Closing thoughts and acknowledgments
This episode provides a nuanced perspective on a controversial social phenomenon—balancing respect for individual choice with a critique of underlying societal and political currents. Whether you see the Tradwife lifestyle as empowerment or regression, understanding its complexities is essential.
Reference: Bilezikian, G. (1985). Beyond sex roles: What the Bible says about a woman’s place in church and family. Baker Academic.
Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.
Hochschild, A. R., & Machung, A. (2012). The second shift: Working families and the revolution at home (Revised ed.). Penguin Books. (Original work published 1989)
Nock, S. L. (1998). Marriage in men’s lives. Oxford University Press.
Pateman, C. (1988). The sexual contract. Stanford University Press.
Perel, E. (2006). Mating in captivity: Unlocking erotic intelligence. HarperCollins.
Rubin, G. (1975). The traffic in women: Notes on the “political economy” of sex. In R. Reiter (Ed.), Toward an anthropology of women (pp. 157–210). Monthly Review Press.
Schwartz, P. (1994). Peer marriage: How love between equals really works. Free Press.
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Special Thanks to www.dinnissindesign.com for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.
