“Trad Wife” trend criticised by mental health charity Turn2Me

Turn2Me, a leading national mental health charity, is raising concerns about the growing “Trad Wife” trend on social media, which idealises a return to traditional gender roles where women are expected to focus solely on homemaking and submissiveness to their husbands.

The charity said this movement sends a regressive and damaging message to both men and women, undermining decades of progress in gender equality, and is an unrealistic lifestyle for most.

The charity listed five reasons the “Trad Wife” trend is harmful which include reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes, undermining gender equality, promoting unhealthy relationships, increasing mental health risks, and putting all the financial pressure of providing on men.

1. Reinforces Harmful Gender Stereotypes:

Turn2Me stated the “Trad Wife” trend perpetuates outdated and harmful gender stereotypes that confine women to domestic roles and men to being sole breadwinners. These stereotypes can limit individual potential and reinforce the notion that a person’s worth is tied to their adherence to traditional gender norms, rather than their unique skills, talents, aspirations, and contributions to society. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem for those who do not fit into these narrow roles.

By glorifying the idea that women should prioritise homemaking over careers or personal ambitions, the “Trad Wife” trend directly challenges the strides made towards gender equality. This messaging suggests that women’s empowerment is less valuable than fulfilling traditional roles, which can hinder progress in achieving equal opportunities for all genders. It also discourages men from embracing more nurturing roles, such as being stay-at-home fathers or taking on household responsibilities.

The extreme submissive dynamics promoted by the “Trad Wife” trend can foster unhealthy relationship patterns, where one partner holds power over the other. Turn2Me warns that these dynamics can lead to emotional and psychological harm, including feelings of being trapped, resentment, dependency, and even abuse. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, equality, and shared responsibilities – values that this trend directly contradicts.

Turn2Me is concerned that the “Trad Wife” trend may contribute to increased mental health issues, particularly among women who feel pressured to conform to this ideal. The unrealistic expectations set by this movement can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of failure when people are unable to meet these standards. Men may also suffer from the pressure to conform to traditional roles as sole providers, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional distress.

The charity pointed out that many of the online influencers who are promoting the “Trad Wife” trend on social media come from generational wealth, make money from their online content via sponsorships, or are married to wealthy men. The reality for most households in Ireland today is that they can’t afford for one parent to be the sole source of income. The pressure for men to be the sole financial provider can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. This expectation can cause feelings of inadequacy if they struggle to meet all the financial demands of their household.