> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.europeans.today/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Sourdough and submission in the name of God: How tradwife content fuses femininity with anti-feminist ideas - URL: https://www.europeans.today/2025/09/22/sourdough-and-submission-in-the-name-of-god-how-tradwife-content-fuses-femininity-with-anti-feminist-ideas/ - Published: 2025-09-22T00:30:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-09-23T02:19:28.000Z - Description: Tradwives combine homemaking aesthetics, religious devotion and far-right ideology in an influential online movement. They promote female submission, oppose feminism and advance a nostalgic, politicised model of womanhood that challenges modern gender equality, according to two researchers. - Author: Arie Perliger - Tags: Online Misogyny, Women, Far-Right, Tradwives, Social Media, Social Media & Far-Right, Misogyny, Anti-Feminism, Religion & Society, Religion & Women, Gender & Religion, Influencers, Gender Roles, Marriage, Legitimisation of the Far-Right, Anti-Abortion **What you need to know** đŸ”č Tradwives promote traditional gender roles online, mixing homemaking aesthetics with ideological beliefs. đŸ”č Their content blends Christian faith, feminine submission, and opposition to feminist principles. đŸ”č Many advocate political stances including anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ+ views, and white nationalism. đŸ”č They frame modern women’s struggles as proof of abandoning God’s intended roles. W hen people think about [online misogyny](https://humanrights.ca/story/online-misogyny-manosphere?ref=europeans.today), they probably envision forums and video game chat rooms filled with young men using lewd language, promoting sexist stereotypes and longing for the good old days when women “knew” their place. Arguably the most popular [anti-feminist content](https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2025.2463588?ref=europeans.today) today, though, is produced by women: *tradwives*. The term “tradwife” is an abbreviation of “traditional wife” – often portrayed on these platforms as a white, married, stay-at-home mother. Since the mid-2000s, tradwives have developed [a substantial online presence and following](https://www.media-diversity.org/the-rise-of-the-tradwife-movement-on-social-media/?ref=europeans.today), introducing their lifestyle and views to the masses of women. Many viewers are introduced to tradwife content through videos on cooking or decorating – posts that could appeal to a wide audience. But at the core of the tradwives movement are more divisive beliefs: that women are meant to “[submit” to their husband’s leadership](https://time.com/6962381/tradwives-history/?ref=europeans.today), for example, or are not meant to work outside the home. We define misogyny as hatred, prejudice or hostility directed toward women as a group. Many tradwives argue that their lifestyle [empowers women](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-24/tradwives-women-say-the-movement-is-empowering-not-oppressive/11960910?ref=europeans.today) to fulfill their true role. Yet some content in the tradwife landscape is indeed rooted in misogynistic beliefs that women are, in some ways, less capable than men. And much more “trad” content is directly opposed to feminist ideas, such the importance of women’s economic independence and sexual freedom. A growing number of [academics and](https://doi.org/10.1177/08912416241246273?ref=europeans.today) [news reports](https://abcnews.go.com/US/tradwife-lifestyle-trends-social-media-internet-divided/story?id=111327508&ref=europeans.today) have highlighted tradwives’ growing [cultural influence](https://www.buzzfeed.com/michaelabramwell/gen-z-women-share-views-on-tradwife-phenomenon?ref=europeans.today). There’s been less attention, however, on one of the most prominent features distinguishing them from other misogynist online movements: the role of religious beliefs. As [researchers of extremism](https://www.uml.edu/fahss/criminal-justice/faculty/perliger-arie.aspx?ref=europeans.today), we have been working on a new book about [the contemporary landscape of misogyny](https://icct.nl/publication/mapping-ideological-landscape-extreme-misogyny?ref=europeans.today), examining movements such as “incels” and “men’s rights” activists, as well as chauvinist far-right groups such as the [*Proud Boys*](https://www.europeans.today/tag/proud-boys/). As part of our research, we analyzed hundreds of tradwife social media posts, videos and blogs. We assert that tradwife culture is not just aiming to restore “traditional” gender roles. It is also an important force in formulating a new model of womanhood: one that incorporates strong religious identity, a specific feminine aesthetic, and far-right ideas. ### Filtered femininity Tradwives create content that fuses what they call “traditional” and “feminine” lifestyles. Specifically, they tend to emphasize the importance of a wife’s [submissiveness to her husband](https://www.mrsmidwest.com/post/4-ways-i-help-my-husband-lead-me?ref=europeans.today), immersion in conservative Christian values, and support for causes such as anti-abortion advocacy. Yet tradwife content [spans a broad spectrum](https://gnet-research.org/2023/07/07/tradwives-the-housewives-commodifying-right-wing-ideology/?ref=europeans.today): Some influencers focus on relatively apolitical topics like baking and parenting, while others combine those with more ideologically charged content. In addition, tradwives stress self-sufficient homemaking skills, such as eating homemade and unprocessed food. At times, [that emphasis on "wholesomeness”](https://podscan.fm/podcasts/how-is-this-better/episodes/trad-wives-maha-and-the-womens-wellness-pipeline?ref=europeans.today) or living “naturally” includes [skepticism about mainstream health care](https://martycenter.org/sightings/the-wellness-babes-and-maha-mamas-behind-rfk-jr?ref=europeans.today), as well as touting “naturopathic” or alternative medicine. One of the main reasons so many viewers are attracted to the tradlife content is their nostalgic and calming aesthetic, including a focus on [cottage-core content](https://www.thespruce.com/cottagecore-design-style-5095952?ref=europeans.today): quaint scenes that evoke life on the prairie, capitalizing on viewers’ nostalgia and desire for escapism. This type of soft-living content is inviting and relaxing. Loose wavy hair, fresh homemade cooking and [a farmhouse aesthetic](https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/what-is-cottagecore/?ref=europeans.today) bring to mind “Little House on the Prairie” and help viewers forget the crises of the world outside. We can’t help but feel like we are in the influencer’s kitchen, smelling freshly baked bread and hearing the laughter of children frolicking about. Yet nothing about tradlife content is effortless. The filters and glamour of *Instagram* never reflect the hours influencers spend setting up their homes, testing recipes, buying [filming equipment](https://www.tiktok.com/@tradwifetori/video/7369326244326067502?q=tradwife%20&t=1757902401138&ref=europeans.today) and fixing up their appearance for these videos, as shown in countless “[get ready with me” videos](https://www.tiktok.com/@esteecwilliams/video/7312072182497152298?q=tradwife%20grwm&t=1757902297080&ref=europeans.today). Nevertheless, tradwives often [glorify the idea of women’s helplessness,](https://www.tiktok.com/@jasminediniss/video/7291051713757203714?q=tradwife%20gender&t=1757905178507&ref=europeans.today). Some encourage women to focus on [what tradwives call “pink jobs](https://www.tiktok.com/@jasminediniss/video/7466994899431197960?ref=europeans.today),” such as homemaking or child-rearing tasks, not physically demanding “blue jobs,” such as house repairs or extensive landscaping. In tradwives’ narrative, women aren’t “[wired](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTJHXkEkSR4&ref=europeans.today)” or “[made](https://www.tiktok.com/@jasminediniss/video/7322252590547307778?ref=europeans.today)” to be in the workforce or [to be the breadwinner](https://www.tiktok.com/@herblessedhome/video/7213442211919252779?q=tradwife%20feminity&t=1757904910627&ref=europeans.today). It is not only too demanding, some of these influencers argue, but actually against nature and God’s intentions to try to “[have it all](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV6D2DVrqmg&t=1s&ref=europeans.today).” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/15/40/1540bec0-7154-4feb-b8e1-97f579155b08/content/images/2025/09/0000396c-min-1.jpg) Tradwives create social media content that fuses what they call “traditional” and “feminine” lifestyles. | DREAMSTIME/[KORWEN](https://www.dreamstime.com/korwen%5Finfo?ref=europeans.today) ### Faith and submission Most tradwife influencers who talk about faith are Christians of one denomination or another, [including Catholics](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/catholic-trad-wives-pose-formidable-political-and-religious-force?ref=europeans.today) and [members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints](https://www.vox.com/23960702/big-family-ballerina-farm-hannah-neeleman-dougherty-dozen-instagram-tiktok-influencers?ref=europeans.today). During analysis for our forthcoming book, we analyzed language in a sample of 23 videos from the seven most popular influencers and found that “God” was the fourth-most popular term – following “women,” “life” and “husband.” For many influencers, religious piety is a crucial component of their views on gender and convincing viewers to embrace them – particularly their belief that a wife’s fundamental role is to [let God and her husband lead the way](https://www.mrsmidwest.com/post/12-ways-to-bless-your-husband-today?ref=europeans.today). Thus, while they don’t necessarily see men and women as unequal, they believe men and women have [different roles](https://theconversation.com/how-complementarianism-the-belief-that-god-assigned-specific-gender-roles-became-part-of-evangelical-doctrine-158758?ref=europeans.today) and different abilities. Insisting that God is on their side also enhances influencers’ sense of community with their followers, making some platforms almost seem like a parish. They will emphasize specific biblical verses supporting the norms they advocate – such as [Titus 2:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%202&version=KJV&ref=europeans.today), which they interpret as advising women to stay at home; and [Genesis 1:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%201&version=KJV&ref=europeans.today), in which God commands humans to “be fruitful, and multiply.” “Womanhood is not a man-made idea constructed from ancient traditions and cultural trends,” the sisters behind the *YouTube* channel “[Girl Defined](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1kgbUqDxHA&ref=europeans.today)” [write in their book](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYAwiY7iRI&ref=europeans.today), “Made to be She: Reclaiming God’s Plan for Fearless Femininity.” “It’s a God-designed reality that He established from the beginning of time.” ### Political voice Some tradwife influencers focus on household management and religious content, while others are bolder in their political commentary – from simple *TikToks* to hours of live-streamed podcasts with guest speakers [discussing hot-button issues](https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.7312/leid21016-001/html?ref=europeans.today). One frequent theme is [opposition to abortion](https://www.tiktok.com/@esteecwilliams/photo/7437604926794059038?ref=europeans.today), especially since [*the overturning of* Roe v. Wade](https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/19-1392?ref=europeans.today) in 2022. The LGBTQ+ rights debate and related questions about how to define a woman have also become a focus for many tradwives, who argue [only God can assign gender](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYAwiY7iRI&ref=europeans.today), and that it is synonymous with biological sex. In some cases, tradwives’ advocacy extends to [white nationalism and nativism](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/opinion/sunday/tradwives-women-alt-right.html?ref=europeans.today). For example, some tradwives will justify [the virtue of a large family](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/31/white-supremacy-trad-wives-far-right-feminist-politics?ref=europeans.today) by alluding to the importance of [maintaining a white, Christian majority in the United States](https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2020.619572?ref=europeans.today). ### Modern anxiety Much of tradwives’ messaging revolves around cultural flash points, problems that underscore anxiety about modern womanhood: challenges in forming stable relationships, providing nutritious meals, and [building a career](https://www.tiktok.com/@jasminediniss/video/7466699379307580690?ref=europeans.today) while trying to raise a family. One [popular video](https://youtube.com/shorts/tCOL3NIy45c?si=jNdEjSpbVB2LueEg&ref=europeans.today) on the Girls Defined channel, less than a minute long, warns viewers about birth control, Planned Parenthood, feminism and mood stabilizers. “Women, through all the years of feminism, through all the years of freedom, women are more depressed, more anxious, hurting more than ever,” one of the sisters says, “and what we are being told to do is not working.” These challenges are presented as inevitable consequences of abandoning [divinely ordained feminine roles](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/catholic-trad-wives-pose-formidable-political-and-religious-force?ref=europeans.today) – positioning religious tradwives’ messages as not merely personal opinions, but sacred truths. Any effort to counter misogynist messaging on these platforms, we argue, cannot just rely on facts, but exposing followers to other visions of what it means to be a religious woman. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/15/40/1540bec0-7154-4feb-b8e1-97f579155b08/content/images/2021/09/end-flat-1.png) ### **GOING FURTHER** - ###### [The Truth About the Past That ‘Tradwives’ Want to Revive](https://time.com/6962381/tradwives-history/?ref=europeans.today) | TIME - ###### [The Rise of the “Tradwife” Movement on Social Media](https://www.media-diversity.org/the-rise-of-the-tradwife-movement-on-social-media/?ref=europeans.today) | MEDIA DIVERSITY INSTITUTE - ###### [The (Anti)Feminism of Tradwives](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546553.2025.2463588?ref=europeans.today) | TERRORISM AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE - ###### [Tradwives: The Housewives Commodifying Right-Wing Ideology](https://gnet-research.org/2023/07/07/tradwives-the-housewives-commodifying-right-wing-ideology/?ref=europeans.today) | THE GLOBAL NETWORK ON EXTREMISM AND TECHNOLOGY - ###### ['Tradwife' lifestyle trends on social media and the internet is divided ](https://abcnews.go.com/US/tradwife-lifestyle-trends-social-media-internet-divided/story?id=111327508&ref=europeans.today) | ABC NEWS - ###### [The Wellness Babes and MAHA Mamas behind RFK Jr.](https://martycenter.org/sightings/the-wellness-babes-and-maha-mamas-behind-rfk-jr?ref=europeans.today) | THE MARTIN MARTY CENTER - ###### [Shield Maidens, Fashy Femmes, and TradWives: Feminism, Patriarchy, and Right-Wing Populism](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sociology/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2020.619572/full?ref=europeans.today) | FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY - ###### [Frilly dresses and white supremacy: welcome to the weird, frightening world of ‘trad wives’](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/31/white-supremacy-trad-wives-far-right-feminist-politics?ref=europeans.today) | THE GUARDIAN - ###### [The Housewives of White Supremacy](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/opinion/sunday/tradwives-women-alt-right.html?ref=europeans.today) | THE NEW YORK TIMES ### --- #### **Sources:** ###### â–Ș This piece was originally published in [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/sourdough-and-submission-in-the-name-of-god-how-tradwife-content-fuses-femininity-with-anti-feminist-ideas-263096?ref=europeans.today) and re-published in Europeans TODAY on 22 September 2025\. | The authors write in a personal capacity. ###### â–Ș **Cover:** Dreamstime/[Korwen](https://www.dreamstime.com/korwen%5Finfo?ref=europeans.today). --- ![The Conversation](https://counter.theconversation.com/content/263096/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic)