An increasingly popular hashtag continues to make its rounds on social media, #traditionalwife or #tradwife. Now Black women are joining the conversation. While some might call it a trend, others refer to it as traditionalism. Those who subscribe to the lifestyle say it is a return to simpler times and traditional family values. These “traditional” wives represent a subculture of women who believe that they are not infringing on women’s rights by taking on the role of homemaker. Often rooted in Christian beliefs or conservative politics, at its core is a desire to bolster traditional values and celebrate wives as mothers and homemakers.

When you search for #tradwives, you’ll find that those adding to the narrative are mostly white women, but a growing number of Black women are embracing the concept as well.

Choosing to Take on the Role of a Homemaker

“Traditional” wives see the value in their husbands providing financially and while they care for and build the home. This might include cooking, cleaning, managing laundry and tending to the land and garden. One black #tradwife on Instagram created an anthem to describe the way of living.

“Cook for your husband. Wash all his clothes and his dishes. Wash all of those. Serve your husband,” Solie White sung proudly in the Instagram reel.

In the comments, Black women provided mixed responses to the song. Most, however, sharing disappointment in White’s values.

“You have such a gorgeous voice and you use it for regressive tomfoolery,” one commenter wrote.

A Focus on Raising Children

While the husband or dad is working at a job that takes them away from home, a “traditional” wife focuses on raising the kids at home. She is the primary caretaker for the children. This can include homeschooling, fostering time for play outdoors, avoiding screen time and allotting time for family activities. 

Earning Income From Home

While a “traditional” wife may not work outside the home, she might decide to create a stream of income by working from home. The goal is to make income to help ease the financial burden. This can look like a variety of entrepreneurial activities such as creating and selling art, teaching an online course or becoming a social media influencer. White even created an IG account to teach homemakers about how to make naptime income which is money earned while their kids are sleeping.

Freedom Under a Husband’s Leadership

One aspect of the #tradwife lifestyle that women who subscribe to it tout, is the freedom it gives them. They often share that they have flexibility in their day, instead of being on a time crunch to arrive at work at a certain time or work a certain number of hours each week. They don’t have to worry about asking a boss for permission for vacation days or a sick day. Instead, they allow their husband to lead and guide their family.

With its rise in popularity, the trend has received mixed reviews. Some feminists believe that women should have the right to be a “traditional” wife and the power of choice, while others believe these ideas oppose feminism and are a form of oppression.

In general, the sentiment on social media in response to the “traditional” wife lifestyle is one of judgement. Olivia Martin lives in Georgia and shares her “traditional” wife lifestyle on Instagram through her account @superalternative.supermom. In one video Martin records herself washing dishes. Over the video, text reads “I’m in my I don’t watch the news & my husband tells me what to think era.”

“This isn’t traditional. Tradition requires respect. This is slavery. You can’t even use your brain,” one commenter wrote.

Another pointed out that Martin, who is married to a white man, is Black.

“This is a very strange mentality to have, especially since you are a Black individual,” they wrote.