Understanding the Viral TikTok Trend: The Tradwife Phenomenon

The recent “tradwife”and “stay-at-home girlfriend”trends on TikTok depict a lifestyle that emphasizes traditional gender roles.

Despite being present on social media for a few years, the tradwife trend gained widespread attention when popular tradwife and TikToker Lilly Gaddis faced criticism for using a racial slur in one of her videos and refusing to apologize.

As a result, Gaddis’ TikTok account was taken down, causing a decrease in views for TikTok tradwives. However, the question remains: what exactly is a tradwife?

The Tradwife Trend on TikTok

Tradwives are individuals who prioritize homemaking as a valuable skill and embrace traditional gender roles, often by being submissive to their partners.

@naraazizasmith
sooo whoever thinks baking cakes is calming I’d like to chat… this was intense haha #easyrecipes #homecooking #birthday #marriage #fypツ #baking

♬ Jazz masterpiece “As time goes by” covered by a Jazz violinist by profession(962408) – ricca

There exists a variety of tradwives on social media, with some opting for modest attire and cultivating their own food, while others prefer modern clothing and impeccably applied makeup.

Some of the well-known tradwife influencers include Nara Smith, who boasts 7.6 million followers on the platform and frequently amasses millions of views on her videos, and Estee Williams, who may not have as large of a following but still gains widespread attention for her tradwife content.

Although there may be variations among tradwives, with some embracing modern ideals and others idolizing the 1950s housewife, their overarching message remains the same: promoting an idealized lifestyle as “tradwives”or stay-at-home partners responsible for maintaining a beautiful home and caring for their children.

@esteecwilliams
What it means to be a Tradwife. #fyp #tradwife #homemaking #housewife #traditional #tradwifecontroversy #womenschoice

♬ Music Instruments – Gerhard Siagian

However, what is the reason behind people’s fascination with watching tradwives share glimpses into their daily lives?

According to social media trend forecaster Casey Lewis, one of the defining aspects of being a tradwife is the stark contrast it offers from many people’s everyday lives. In an interview with CNBC, Lewis explained how it can feel like an escape from reality for some women.

Although numerous individuals find entertainment in viewing videos of tradwives completing their daily household tasks, the trend has also faced criticism through parody videos and for its potential toxicity.

Lifetaketwo, a popular TikToker, has gained a large following by sharing her experiences as an ex-tradwife and shedding light on how it may seem appealing from the outside, but often has hidden challenges.

“In an interview with Teen Vogue, she revealed that her life had been miserable despite appearing perfect on the surface. She struggled every day, and much of her existence was filled with loneliness.”