I think part of the issue with tradwives, for me (a stay at home mom, to be clear) is that for those of us who grew up in evangelicalism (the fundamentalist version, or not), it was often framed as not-a-choice for wives to stay home and make/raise babies. Some of the current tradwife iterations make it clear that it is a choice, and others (often the more conservative religious one) present it as THE “Biblical” way to be a wife and mother. Often emphasizing that the home/kid work is the wife’s job, also emphasizing hierarchy in marriage and the “headship” of husbands, which so often leads to bad outcomes.
Good points Sarah, thank you. The not-a-choice element makes a huge difference. Important to remember some of the iterations are making bigger assertions about what are the right ways to do this job…when in fact these days there are so many different ways to make it work well (or at least balanced and sanity-building for both parents).
Which half of the cake do you prefer over the other?? It looks delicious.
Ballerina Farm--definitely Athena reincarnate. But also, her priorities, right? I think a lot of us could pull certain things off if they were our priorities (and we had the help or finances to make them happen, of course).
Related, I haven't been paying much attention to the tradwives discussion! Have nothing to add, but your assessment seems spot on from the little I know.
This was one of my favorites. I just love your writing.
You make such a refreshing point about the necessity of beauty in the mundane life. My husband and I have a phrase that beauty is life-affirming.
My mind goes to … why are people reaching back in time for their lifestyle choices and security? Is the world so scary that we want to recreate simple times? Obviously, times in history were better for some than others. I don’t have much judgment but I’m very curious about what the driving forces behind the trend are and perhaps what might be next.
I think part of the issue with tradwives, for me (a stay at home mom, to be clear) is that for those of us who grew up in evangelicalism (the fundamentalist version, or not), it was often framed as not-a-choice for wives to stay home and make/raise babies. Some of the current tradwife iterations make it clear that it is a choice, and others (often the more conservative religious one) present it as THE “Biblical” way to be a wife and mother. Often emphasizing that the home/kid work is the wife’s job, also emphasizing hierarchy in marriage and the “headship” of husbands, which so often leads to bad outcomes.
Good points Sarah, thank you. The not-a-choice element makes a huge difference. Important to remember some of the iterations are making bigger assertions about what are the right ways to do this job…when in fact these days there are so many different ways to make it work well (or at least balanced and sanity-building for both parents).
Also, a very happy birthday to you! ❤️
''Creating and making are inherent joys to being human,'' - Yes!
Which half of the cake do you prefer over the other?? It looks delicious.
Ballerina Farm--definitely Athena reincarnate. But also, her priorities, right? I think a lot of us could pull certain things off if they were our priorities (and we had the help or finances to make them happen, of course).
Related, I haven't been paying much attention to the tradwives discussion! Have nothing to add, but your assessment seems spot on from the little I know.
This was one of my favorites. I just love your writing.
Both sides are perfect in their own way—and they play off each other! Hence I always eat a tiny slice of both at the same time.
Happy birthday! Ah, the Caroline's Cakes... my grandma sent those to my mom, too. So good!
I'm really enjoying your substack recommendations as well as your own substack! Thank you for this lively post!
Loved “watchman”. Adding “ahab” to my list now :)
You make such a refreshing point about the necessity of beauty in the mundane life. My husband and I have a phrase that beauty is life-affirming.
My mind goes to … why are people reaching back in time for their lifestyle choices and security? Is the world so scary that we want to recreate simple times? Obviously, times in history were better for some than others. I don’t have much judgment but I’m very curious about what the driving forces behind the trend are and perhaps what might be next.