Social media has birthed more archetypes than a soap opera—and honestly, I'm here for it! Today, we’re diving into two that have everyone talking: the “Trad Wife” and the “Childless Cat Lady”. From Instagram feeds to TikTok trends, these personas are as iconic as they are controversial. Think ‘Candace Owens’ repping the Trad Wives or ‘Taylor Swift’ embodying the childless-but-fabulous cat lady vibes. One thrives on 1950s housewife nostalgia, while the other embraces independence and fur babies. So let’s explore these modern-day archetypes!

Who is the Trad Wife?

The “Trad Wife” is all about throwing it back to 1950s vibes—think ‘Betty Draper’ from ‘Mad Men’, but with Instagram filters. These women choose a lifestyle focused on homemaking, raising kids, and embracing the idea of their husband as the head of the household. The term comes from “traditional wife”, and has exploded in recent years as more women seek comfort in structure and old-school values. Whether it’s baking pies or curating Pinterest-perfect homes, Trad Wives love simplicity. 

Are Trad Wives loved or hated??

The Trad Wife movement gets plenty of side-eye from feminists—and for good reason. Critics argue that it clashes with feminist values like gender equality, autonomy, and financial independence. By embracing 1950s housewife vibes, Trad Wives are seen as reinforcing regressive roles that keep women in the kitchen and out of boardrooms. For women who support gender equality, this lifestyle feels like a giant step back, undoing decades of progress by feeding into outdated power dynamics that make women dependent on men, undermining the fight for economic and social freedom. Most men are supporting the revival of the traditionally patriarchal stereotype of women serving their husbands and families because obviously, Trad Wives bring back the ideology of a man being the head of the house who goes out to make money while the woman toils at home. 

 Is the Childless Catlady the antithesis of Trad Wife?

The term "childless catlady" often evokes images of an elderly woman who prefers the company of cats over children. However, its origins and meanings are deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts. Derived from the term "cat lady," which colloquially describes women with numerous cats and no children, the phrase has evolved to signify a woman who, whether by choice or circumstance, does not have children and finds companionship in cats.

The concept of the "cat lady" has ancient roots. In Egyptian mythology, cats were revered for their mystical and protective qualities. The goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat's head, symbolised home, fertility, and motherhood. She was venerated for her nurturing nature and fierce protection, embodying both the domestic and the fierce aspects of cats. The modern "childless catlady" might not hold the divine status of Bastet, but this historical reverence underscores how cats have been valued companions and symbols of independence for centuries. The term reflects societal views on women who prioritise personal freedom and companionship with animals over traditional familial roles.

Why do men hate Childless Catlady?

The "childless catlady" often faces criticism from men who struggle with women's independence and life choices. Take Vance, a US senator who infamously questioned the worth of women without children, dismissing their lives as less meaningful compared to mothers. Such comments reflect a broader societal disdain for women who choose non-traditional paths. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have addressed this bias, with Aniston stating, “I’ve been criticised for not having children, yet my worth isn’t defined by motherhood.” This sentiment echoes a truth that rattles traditional norms: women’s value is not tied to their ability to bear children.

The backlash against “cat ladies” isn’t just about cats; it’s about the discomfort some men feel when women choose autonomy over traditional roles. Men often feel threatened when women defy expectations, especially when their lives don't revolve around serving men’s ideals. A cat, compared to human children, is viewed as less significant, but that’s a narrow perspective. People, especially women, should be free to choose their paths, whether it's caring for cats or nurturing human children. The real issue is that women asserting their independence doesn’t fit the outdated mould that some men still cling to.

So who wins?

At the end of the day, feminism isn’t about which path you take—it’s about the freedom to choose. Whether you’re rocking the pearls and pies of a Trad Wife or living your best life surrounded by cats and takeout menus, the power lies in carving out a life that’s true to you. The world is still adjusting to the idea that women can define their own happiness, and while some might feel more comfortable with the "wife" in “housewife,” others thrive in a child-free, independent zone. What matters is that women are choosing their narratives, not letting outdated norms dictate their worth.

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References

Medium | Forbes | Palmer Reports | NPR | BBC 

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