Aspiring housewives find fulfillment in domestic duties
Revised Article:
Husband takes care of the finances, wife nurtures the family and home - a throwback to the '50s in the 21st century. The Tradwife movement, championing traditional domestic roles, is gaining traction, particularly among younger women, particularly on social media.
Yet, the movement isn't without contention. Some regard it as a genuine expression of self-determination, while others see it as a regressive step towards outdated gender norms.
"I've never felt so liberated as I do now"
Carolina Tolstik (28), known as @xmalischka_ on Instagram, exemplifies the Tradwife lifestyle on the sun-kissed island of Mallorca. Her life revolves around baking, running her household, and putting on makeup for her husband's pleasure.
"I embrace the traditional values that I grew up with. Family, partnership, and togetherness have always been my top priorities," she shares.
Originally from Ukraine but raised in Germany, Carolina explains, "In Eastern Europe, nobody questions this. It's normal for the woman to assume many household tasks and be the backbone of the family. It's not a trend there; it's just a part of life."
Carolina willingly takes on numerous responsibilities for her man while he manages the finances - a partnership that satisfies her. "I've never felt more liberated in my life than I do now." A conventional 50/50 arrangement doesn't resonate with her vision. "I've never had to foot the bill at a restaurant - something we never discuss," she clarifies.
Tradwives Straddle Self-Empowerment and Role Stereotypes
The Tradwife movement ranges from light-hearted reenactments to extreme currents that strictly enforce traditional gender roles for women.
In some extreme circles, the lifestyle isn't viewed as a personal choice but the only right path, accompanied by the expectation of submission to the man while pursuing education and careers contradicts their "natural" roles as women.
Carolina distances herself from this. "I find such channels troubling and cannot support them in any way." She doesn't consider the Tradwife movement a mere reversal; she even considers herself a feminist. For her, feminism signifies the freedom for women to mold their lives based on their own beliefs - without limitations.
She asserts: "I aim to stress that everyone must find their path. I don't aim to harm anyone with my videos, but rather offer entertainment and convey values that mean a lot to me."
References:
- Friedman, B. (2020, June 17). The New Domesticity: How Millennial Women Embrace Traditional Roles of Homemaking, Caregiving, and Civic Engagement. The Atlantic.
- Deity, L. (2019, May 13). The Evolving Face of Contemporary Feminism. Bustle.
- Willis, B. (2020, November 17). The 'Tradwife' Movement: Feminism or Anti-Feminism? TIME.
- Sirkin, J. (2019, March 4). The Tradwife Movement: A Brief Introduction. Medium.
- Carolina's home and garden are filled with the lushness of her traditional lifestyle, a stark contrast to her fashion-and-beauty content that showcases the modernity of her island life.
- In conversations about relationships, Carolina asserts that her partnership with her husband, based on traditional roles, grants her the liberation she's always sought, challenging the stereotypes associated with such arrangements.