The traditional wife: what is the artisan culture and why is it associated with the far right?

Recently, the author of this article noticed that the word “tradwife” is actively used on Twitter in Russian, moreover, it is used both as a compliment and an insult. I immediately went to review the question, because how else can I curse with people on the Internet?

Many articles have been written about Tradwife in English. Mostly in the liberal media, which supports the idea that adherents of this culture have their ideological origins from the far right. So a white man takes a leading position and a woman is an attachment to him.

In Russia, tradwife is against feminists and is more involved in women’s rights discourse.

So who are they?

Deciphering the term – traditional wife (English traditional wife). This is a well-groomed and prosperous (at least in appearance) woman who raises children, fully manages the house and, God forbid, does not work, is fully supported by her husband. With our past, it’s easiest to imagine such a woman in The Stepford Wives.

Again, the difference in perception of the term in different countries is huge – in the United States, adherents of leftist political views see a major problem with the movement, explaining it by tradwife’s reinvigoration of the culture of superiority and privilege. Various segments of society remember times of total racial and financial inequality, and this goes against current activist politics. Beyond the ocean, they believe this trend is bringing us back to the past and encouraged by men to restore appeal to patriarchy and increase the birth rate.

In Russia, the term is still new (even articles on this topic are almost impossible to find), so we draw conclusions from pieces of information from social networks and comments on huge portals. The conclusions are as follows – tradwife is perceived categorically negatively by the feminist community in Russia, because they are seen as a complete opposition to everything feminists are fighting for. Traditional women do not want to work, they want to support their husbands, take care of themselves and raise children, and run the household chores. That is, they represent an ideal patriarchal picture of the family, and they do it consciously, refusing to fight for gender equality.

And the nuances that society has not yet figured out begin here. First, the tradwife is an extremely attractive culture for women who do not want to actively exercise their citizenship, who understand a lot of discourse and are interested in politics. So they make a kind of escape from behind a man and feel protected there (which they certainly can’t be blamed for). Secondly, the concept of transvestite fits perfectly with Christian rhetoric – a woman raises children and takes on the role of follower in a relationship. Third, the tradwife is gaining popularity on social networks, with many girls posting short videos showing how they manage the house, take care of the garden, babysit the children and prepare sumptuous dinners for her husband’s return from work. Numerous views and comments clearly show that many girls find this lifestyle romantic and attractive.

It is important to mention the term “second shift” here – a concept that refers to working women. It means that women work “first shift” at work and “second shift” at home. So tradesmen deliberately reject this first shift. Can we judge them for that? Obviously not.

The history of Russian artisans

We spoke to a girl who definitely sees herself as a transvestite and is proud of it. The word of our heroine – Tatyana.

How did you hear about this trend?

In my opinion, I learned the truth of having a special name for women from social networks. For example, they started calling me that often on Twitter. Generally, I didn’t put any labels on myself before, because of my upbringing and my own preferences, I only saw myself as a woman with patriarchal views. At the same time, I never perceive such an objection to myself as a compliment, but rather as an insult. Although it is clear that Traddama is a very schematic collective image.

Why do you want to be tradwife?

I would answer in the words of Jessica Rabbit – I’m not bad, that’s how they drew me. I have a fairly patriarchal family, we lived in Chechnya for a long time, and part of the lifestyle of the Terek Cossacks was transferred to my real relationships with men. I am absolutely delighted with the idea of ​​belonging entirely to one man, taking care of the home and children, and being under his protection. I also feel completely safe outside of marriage because my father and brothers always help me solve any problems that arise. At the same time, we are absolutely modern people and do not allow excesses in relation to each other. There are no strict restrictions or prohibitions, everything is out of love and consent. I am definitely impressed by the traditional marriages of my friends and family. This is the example I’m aiming for.

Do you think you’re a tradwife? – Is this the opposite of feminism?

If we delve into internet images and memes, we see two extremes. If we’re talking about radical feminism that’s popular right now, then it’s just made life harder for modern women and even more irritating for men. If previously a girl was treated as a fragile creature and only hoped to perform traditional female functions, now this is supplemented by job seeking and heavy homework. Now you will almost always be teased: “Well, you asked for equality.” There seems to be a healthy feminism that protects women from male perversion of traditional rules, outright moral and physical violence, and misogyny. Everything should be healthy and in moderation. Plus, when making my choice, I don’t experience aggression from people making a different choice. At the same time, when I write about my views on social networks, they pour tubs of ***** on me. I think being a trad is the most disliked decision right now but I don’t care.

So, are you against feminism? Or can tradwife be in balance with him?

I have already said in the above answer that it is important to protect the rights of both women and men from physical and moral violence. But measure is important here. It seems that no one is ready for this conversation yet. Everyone pulls the blanket over themselves.

What do you mean by the term “Tradwife” in general for yourself?

This is my mother, who has lived with one man all her life and hardly ever works, but at the same time is engaged and engaged in her own development – learning languages, traveling, engaged in spiritual practices and sports. This is my many girlfriends who are in a harmonious relationship with their men. I myself am quite a modern transvestite – without being overly modest, but in my sane and solid memory, I want to be that sweet woman with a delicious dinner on her table and a sparkly ring on her finger.

instead of output

The author of this article draws full conclusions from all her research and communication with her female colleagues in the surrounding area – please leave us women alone and stop deciding for us what we want from life and what behavior pattern we should choose.