Republican Influencer Emily Wilson Criticizes 'Tradwife' Trend for Reinforcing Outdated Gender Norms

10 May 2025

Emily Wilson, 31, of California explains why she thinks tradwives can be cringe. @emilysavesamerica / Instagram

Republican influencer and political commentator Emily Wilson has sparked debate after publicly criticizing the growing "tradwife" trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Wilson expressed concern that the movement, which romanticizes 1950s-style domestic roles for women, is "shaming women who want to be educated and make money" by reinforcing outdated gender norms that limit women's opportunities and freedoms.

The "tradwife" lifestyle short for "traditional wife" encourages women to embrace roles centered on homemaking, child-rearing, and submission to their husbands, often portraying these choices as the ultimate expression of femininity. Influencers like Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm and Nara Smith have popularized this trend online by sharing idyllic images of baking bread, home-schooling children, and doting on their husbands. While some women find empowerment in choosing this path, Wilson argues that the trend presents a limited and regressive view of women's potential.

"Women should be able to choose whether they want to be at home, have a career, or do both without being judged or shamed," Wilson told Newsweek. She emphasized that modern society has fought hard for women's rights to education, career advancement, and political participation, and she worries that the tradwife trend undermines these hard-won gains by idealizing a time when women's roles were restricted to the home.

Wilson's critique has ignited a broader conversation within conservative circles and beyond, with some agreeing that the tradwife trend can be exclusionary and stifling, while others argue it represents a valid lifestyle choice that empowers women to reclaim domesticity on their own terms. Supporters of the trend say that being a homemaker is just as legitimate and valuable as any other career path, but critics counter that the online portrayals often gloss over the challenges of domestic work and perpetuate unrealistic expectations.

The debate highlights the tension between celebrating traditional values and recognizing the evolving roles of women in a modern society. As the tradwife trend gains momentum, Wilson’s perspective offers a reminder that women’s empowerment should include the freedom to choose their own path, whether that means staying home, building a career, or finding a balance between the two.

While the conversation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the tradwife trend is more than just a viral phenomenon; it reflects ongoing struggles over identity, gender roles, and what it means to be a woman in the 21st century.