In recent years, traditional gender roles have re-emerged, especially in the area of relationships. One of the terms that has gained popularity is tradwife, short for traditional wife. This term has been popularised by influencers who share their lifestyle, such as Roro Bueno , Alena Kate Pettitt or Hannah Neeleman, known as Ballerina Farm.
One of the best-known channels is The Darling Academy, created by Alena Kate Pettitt, author of books such as Ladies Like Us.
The popular social media hashtag #tradwife has sparked a debate about its impact on feminism and gender equality.
But what does it really mean to be a tradwife and how does it relate to another modern concept such as the sugar baby? In this article, we will explore both terms and their implications in depth.
What is a Tradwife?
A tradwife is a woman who wants to adopt a traditional housewife lifestyle that values the importance of family and conservative values. This means that you take care of the household, cook, clean, look after the children and create a welcoming environment for your family. You take up the lifestyle of the housewives of the 50s and 60s, intertwining with the pin-up style , dress in corsets, heels and prints and reclaim their femininity.
Main characteristics of a Tradwife:
- At home: They enjoy cleaning and organising the house, taking care of every detail and creating a cosy and loving environment for the family.
- Cooking: You love cooking homemade and traditional dishes, searching for new recipes in cookery books and preparing desserts
- Family: They like children and enjoy looking after their children at home.
- Spirituality: Many Tradwifes have a strong connection to their faith and are religious.
- Economic independence: Some choose to be financially dependent on their partners, while others maintain their own careers and combine them at home or remotely.
The roots of the movement
The movement was born thanks to the book published in 1963 Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin. This is a manual that defends a traditional model of femininity and marriage. It promotes the idea that women can become happy and strengthen their relationships thanks to their femininity, such as kindness, admiration for their partner and taking care of the household, while avoiding competing with the male role.
Its resurgence has largely been fuelled by social media. On platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, women around the world can share their experiences, recipes, cleaning routines and home life tips. These posts are often accompanied by vintage aesthetics, pin-up and messages promoting traditional family values.
The hashtag tradwife on TikTok generates almost 30,000 videos and videos tagged with #tradwife reached more than 250 million views in 2024. Roro Bueno is the Spanish influencer who is perhaps best suited to this type of movement , she shares videos on TikTok and on her YouTube channel , on which she cooks elaborate recipes for her boyfriend with a sweet tone of voice. While many viewers refer to Roro as a Tradwife influencer, she has never claimed that label. Nevertheless, his elaborate home-cooked meals captivate audiences.
In some cases, the movement is also linked to the search for simplicity in an increasingly complex world. For these women, adopting a traditional lifestyle is a way to reconnect with values that they feel have been lost in modern society.
Can a sugar baby apply for a Tradwife agreement?
Tradwives emphasise a clearer division of gender roles, with the man taking on the role of economic breadwinner and the woman that of carer.
British housewife Alena Kate Pettit, who runs a “school of femininity" blog called The Darling Academy is one of the supporters of this movement. Alena explained to the Daily Mail , that her husband gives her a fixed amount every month to buy food and an amount for her savings and personal expenses so that „I don't have to keep asking him for money.“
Sugar dating is a movement in which there are many types of agreements between them. Why not also agree to be a tradwife for your sugar daddy who receives a monthly allowance?
Can a sugarbaby become a tradwife?
As we explained in the article Sugar dating, marriage and children many sugar babies manage to build real emotional bonds with their patrons. But even if there is a marriage, that doesn't mean they are tradwifes, but that they can decide within the marriage what kind of wife they want to be. Being a sugarbaby does not mean becoming a tradwife, but you can be if you want to.
Tips for a sugar dating agreement with Tradwife
Before embarking on a commitment and a stable relationship as a tradwife within a sugar dating relationship, it is important to take some precautions and follow certain steps to ensure a positive and enriching experience:
- Seek support in like-minded communities If you choose this route, you can get support and practical advice on how to adapt to the role of tradwife in a sugar dating relationship by connecting with others who share similar experiences.
- Get to know each other thoroughly before you live together : Before you take the step of living together, take the time to get to know your sugar daddy well. It starts with a traditional sugar dating relationship, building trust and mutual understanding. This will allow you to assess whether you share values, expectations and long-term goals.
- Maintain your independence and continue your education Use your time to continue your training or personal development. Never neglect your education and never waste the compensation you receive. Maintaining a foundation of independence is crucial as circumstances can change.
- Carry out temporary tests Before you take on the role of Tradwife permanently, spend a few seasons with your sugar daddy on holiday or in your free time. Take on the role of Tradwife on these occasions to see how you feel and whether this lifestyle is satisfactory for you.
- Set clear boundaries and mutual expectations Consider the dynamics of the relationship, including issues such as household responsibilities, finances and how disagreements will be handled. A clear agreement from the outset is important to avoid future conflicts.
- Constantly evaluate your emotions and well-being Stay openly communicating with yourself to make sure this lifestyle is what you really want. If you're not happy with something, don't be afraid to speak up or reconsider your decision.
Tradwife vs. sugar baby: What's the difference?
Although they may appear to be opposites at first glance, both Tradwives and conservative sugar babies Lifestyle choices that challenge traditional relationship norms. However, there are fundamental differences between the two concepts:
- Motivations: Tradwifes are usually motivated by traditional values and the desire to start a family, while sugar babes seek financial benefits and an agreement-based relationship.
- Relationship: TWs are looking for a long-term relationship based on love and commitment, while sugar baby relationships are usually shorter and based on mutual benefit.
- Public image: Tradwives often try to maintain the public image of a traditional housewife, while sugar babies may prefer to keep their relationship a secret.
A sugar baby can become a tradwife, but of course the differences between the two lifestyles in a relationship must first be blurred, because for this to happen, the sugar baby must be very clear that she likes the role of the tradwife and also her sugar daddy.
These two lifestyles are examples of how people are redefining relationships and gender roles in today's society. Although they share some similarities, their motivations and goals are different, but not exclusive or antagonistic. Choosing a lifestyle is a personal decision that must be respected , provided that it is based on mutual agreement.
Tradwife FAQ
The main differences lie in the motivations and dynamics of the relationship. While sugar babies often seek financial benefits and specific arrangements, tradwives focus on traditional values such as caring for the household and family. However, a sugar baby may choose to become a tradwife if both parties agree.
If possible. A sugar baby can take on the role of a tradwife as part of a sugar dating arrangement if both parties set clear boundaries and are aligned on expectations. This can include a dynamic where the sugar daddy acts as a provider and takes on traditional responsibilities at home.
To determine if this role is right for you, evaluate your values and preferences. If you enjoy cooking, taking care of the household and prioritising family values, you may enjoy this lifestyle. In addition, going on holiday or living together temporarily can help you decide if you are comfortable in this role.
Start by having an honest conversation about your expectations and values. Make clear agreements about household responsibilities, finances and time sharing. It's important to build trust and make sure both parties agree on their roles and goals.
The benefits include financial stability, defined roles and a dynamic based on mutual caring. You can also enjoy a more traditional lifestyle while maintaining the financial support typical of sugar dating.
It's important to continue your education and save some of your pocket money for personal projects or savings. Even if you take on a traditional role, maintaining a foundation of independence will give you security if circumstances change.
