The tradwife movement - and how it's influencing modern dating

If you've spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably come across the term “tradwife.” Short for “traditional wife,” it describes women who embrace a 1950s-style homemaker role: Staying home, cooking, cleaning, and "submitting" to their husbands while rejecting modern feminism. It’s a lifestyle choice that, depending on who you ask, is either an empowered return to femininity or a step backward in gender equality.

At first glance, the tradwife movement feels like a niche internet aesthetic, draped in pastel aprons and vintage filters. But its influence on modern dating - especially in how people frame relationships, gender roles, and expectations - is worth unpacking.

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is a renewed emphasis on hyper-traditional courtship. There’s a romanticization of rigid gender roles, where men are positioned as providers and protectors, while women are expected to embrace a softer, more submissive energy. This isn’t just happening in right-wing circles; elements of tradwife rhetoric have seeped into mainstream dating conversations, with some people rejecting "50/50 relationships" in favor of “high-value men” who cover all financial responsibilities while their partners take on a homemaking role.

For some, this is appealing. In a world that often feels chaotic and exhausting, the idea of a structured, clearly defined role in a relationship can seem comforting. After all, who doesn’t crave security? But the issue arises when these ideals turn prescriptive rather than personal - when people start treating traditional gender roles as the only correct way to build a relationship.

What’s interesting is that the tradwife movement isn’t just about relationships, it’s also a reaction to modern feminism, hustle culture, and burnout. Many women are openly rejecting the idea that they should be constantly grinding, proving their worth in the workplace, and splitting bills in a relationship just to be considered an equal. Instead, they’re leaning into domesticity as a form of self-care, as if saying, “I don’t want to do it all.” And honestly? That’s valid. But there’s a fine line between personal choice and a romanticized return to gendered expectations that not everyone has the privilege to opt into.

The truth is, modern dating exists in tension between tradition and progress. We’re navigating a world where people want both independence and intimacy, financial security and emotional connection, freedom and partnership. And despite the tradwife movement pushing for a more structured dynamic, relationships today are built on nuance; on negotiation, compatibility, and a mutual understanding of what works for both people.

At the end of the day, love isn’t about rigid roles. It’s about partnership, however that looks for you. So whether you’re a tradwife in a floral dress or a career-driven powerhouse (or something in between), the best relationships are the ones where both partners feel seen, supported, and safe to define love on their own terms.

‍

Danielle Simpson-Baker is a Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and a Board Certified Sexologist with the American Board of Sexology. Danielle holds an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently working toward a dual certificate in Sex Therapy and Education. She also runs a sex-positive Instagram page (@thesexpottherapist) that has amassed more than 23,000 followers since its inception in 2018; with that following, Danielle started a virtual sexual wellness clinic called Sex(pot) Therapy, LLC. Danielle provides sex therapy, coaching, and consulting, as well as a host of sexual wellness products for every person’s needs!

‍