The term “trad wife” is circulating all over social media, but what exactly does it mean? In recent weeks, discussions about Ballerina Farm, the Instagram persona of 34-year-old Hannah Neeleman, have been buzzing on social media feeds. Hannah, a mother of eight, lives on a dairy farm in Utah with her husband, Daniel. She is part of a growing trend of women promoting the “traditional wife” lifestyle on TikTok and Instagram.
Traditional Gender Roles and Homemaking
Trad wives, as they are called, embrace traditional gender roles and focus on homemaking, childcare, and supporting their husbands. They draw inspiration from early 20th-century American housewives, maintain devout Christian beliefs, and hold politically conservative views. Trad wives document their lives on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often appearing in full hair and makeup while managing household tasks.
Personal Choice and Respect
Not all trad wives are the same. Estee Williams, a trad wife content creator, explains that trad wives are homemakers whose priorities are cooking, cleaning, and being subservient to their husbands. However, she emphasizes that this submission is a personal choice and not degrading. Trad wives showcase their lives online without shaming others for their choices. Their aim is not to threaten other lifestyles but to share their own experiences.
Awareness in the Modern Age
Cyberpsychologist Professor Linda Kaye acknowledges that people with traditional views have always existed; we are now just more aware of it due to the prevalence of social media. It is important to recognize that everyone has different expectations in relationships, and what works for some may not work for others.
Elevating Women’s Work and Aspirational Ideals
Journalist and author Jo Piazza expresses concerns about aspects of being a trad wife that could potentially harm women. While it is positive to elevate the work that women do in the home, it should not be the only role women are expected to play. Aspirational ideals should not limit women’s choices or restrict their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Controversial Times Article
Regarding the recent Times article about the Neeleman family, Hannah Neeleman expressed disappointment, stating that the portrayal of her marriage as oppressive was far from the truth. Hannah and Daniel prioritize their marriage, co-parent their children, and make decisions together. They are co-CEOs of their family and have built a business from scratch. Their love has only grown stronger over their 13 years of marriage.
In conclusion, the term “trad wife” may have gone viral, but it is important to remember that relationships and lifestyles vary from person to person. Trad wives choose to embrace traditional gender roles and prioritize homemaking, but this should not be seen as the only valid or acceptable path. Respect for personal choices and individual growth is essential, regardless of one’s relationship dynamics.
