Feminism doesn’t hold the same power it once did. Women are increasingly asking themselves if they really can have it all, like the ’60s promised, and if they even really want it all. As a result, we’re seeing women walk away from the disillusionment of corporate lifestyles and a resurgence of “trad housewives.”
But women are also questioning what feminism actually fights for. For example, research shows that most women are happier in marriage. So why does feminism seek to tear that down? And most women don’t thrive in fields dominated by men. So why push them there?
Conservatives are rejoicing at this shift, but a conservative faction – sometimes termed as “rad-trads” – does more than rejoice. They proclaim housewifery to be the only place for women, resulting in yet another problematic, skewed vision of feminine fulfillment. In their rejection of feminism, they fail, just like their sworn enemy, to offer a substantive understanding of women.
Anti-Feminism Is Pro-Woman
As a woman in my late twenties, I’ve never ascribed to the feminist movement. In fact, I’m a proud anti-feminist. I’ve seen very little except damage in the aftermath of each feminist wave, and I know it won’t get any better.
Women, for all their equal rights and dignity, are by nature, different from men and the world would be much better off if we all accepted that. But feminism refuses to do this. They consider difference to be injustice and seek to “empower” women by masculinizing them. Feminine qualities are criticized, not elevated, while manly traits are the ideal.
I’m not surprised. I don’t believe feminism began with good intentions, yet it garnered traction because women have suffered unjust treatment through the centuries. Female circumcision in Africa, forced abortions and sterilization in China, or stoning as punishment for being raped in the Middle East are just some of the historical horrors that still exist. Yet the injustices feminists choose to tackle revolve around nude women’s marches and equal pay for Hollywood celebrities.
Unfortunately, rather than focusing on real injustice or offering a good solution, feminism attacked the familial structure, seeking to replace it with discrete individuals of radical independence. Feminism leaves no place for a woman to be a woman. They hardly know how to define womanhood anymore. Sadly, the opposite extreme doesn’t seem to know either.
The Trad Problem
Recently, I watched a rad-trad video featuring a wanna-be alpha male parading under the guise of masculinity, proselytizing to women everywhere the horrors and sinfulness of feminism, attacking and tearing it down, but offering no alternative to “boss-babe” except for “silent wife.” His own wife was allowed to talk since she agreed with him, but they explained womanhood only insofar as what she can offer a man, rather than the beauty of femininity that can exist in other walks of life.
This couple is indicative of a growing movement on the right. They all claim to argue from history, but that history seems to only go as far back as the 1950s. They suggest that the ideal wife has zero functioning brain cells, a vapid sex-doll look in her eyes, and the willingness to be maid, chef and baby-machine all rolled up in a perpetual sundress. She’s not a helpmate in the marriage, and true shared purpose, dignity or companionship seems lacking.
Yet that couldn’t be further from the historical truth. Historically, men wanted strong women, ones who could help bring about the life they both envisioned. Frontiersmen and pioneers, for example, needed wives by their side who could weather the insane struggles of unsettled territory. Farmers needed wives who could help tend the land and weren’t afraid of hard work. Women needed to know how to birth children, stave off illness, and more – all of which required just as much creative problem-solving as was required from men.
Thus, it seems that the mistake the rad-trads make is that they ignorantly hold very modern premises, equating work to paid labor, viewing womanhood through feminist cliches, and using ideological extremes to make broad-strokes – all while failing to take into account socio-historical contexts.
I wonder if they have lost sight of the forest for the trees. They’ve allowed their hatred for feminism to obscure the issues at hand, making for a sad worldview that would be a miserable lifestyle for both men and women. Ironically, the exaggerated and untrue trope used by feminists to advance their ideology ends up being the same one these rad-trads have raised up as the feminine ideal. Meanwhile, rad-trad males are a self-fulfilling prophecy, becoming exactly what feminists accuse all men of being: controlling, chauvinist, and narcissistic.
Womanhood is Motherhood
All women are called to mother – to nurture, bring love and growth – to those around them. Of course, not all women have biological children, nor must they, to be a true woman. The maternal spirit is not always literal but is intrinsic to female nature. It’s a role of creativity, strength, empathy, and endurance, all marking the heart of femininity, and should be actively encouraged.
Unlike what either extreme says, feminine women are strong. Their strength looks different from masculinity, but it’s neither a sign of injustice or inferiority. A woman’s strength is enduring and patient, the bulwark quiet that keeps others steady and afloat in painful storms. There is no greater strength than selflessness, which is a cornerstone of femininity. Birthing labor itself is the physical expression of the strength all women exhibit: life through sacrifice.
Sadly, both sides have also turned these quiet strengths of docility and meekness into insults. But docility fosters attentiveness – the ability to witness the details of reality around oneself precedes the artistic impulse, the addressing of physical and emotional needs, and the consideration of love. Attentiveness is the seed of creativity, another hallmark of womanhood.
While docility helps one perceive, meekness helps one know what to do with it. Without meekness, there would be no understanding. It’s the internal courage and calm willing to face the pain, anger, and love of other humans that allows for deep relationships. Meekness goes hand-in-hand with receptivity. To receive and connect with the people in our lives, we must be at ease internally. Meekness allows us to empathize and nurture those around us without falling into unhealthy codependencies.
In the ongoing debate over feminism, let’s remember that feminine virtues are not confined to motherhood, nor are they inhibited by it either. Both extremes are too focused on asking what a woman should do rather than how a woman can become more integrated, whole, and flourishing.
A woman’s femininity should be celebrated and embraced, and if women are encouraged to deepen their natural virtues, women will find their God-given place in the world.
—
The republication of this article is made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal.
Image Credit: PickPik
23 comments
23 Comments
Noel Patricio
April 30, 2025, 4:25 amA Life-Changing Experience, Dr Kachi A Testimony of Gratitude
I would like to share an extraordinary experience that has transformed my life. I came across a remarkable testimony online forum about a powerful and renowned spell caster, Dr. Kachi. At the time, I was skeptical because I had never encountered anything related to magic or spell casting before. However, the story of Dr. Kachi's work resonated with me, and I decided to give it a chance. For years, my family and I struggled financially, and despite my best efforts, I never had luck winning the lottery. I loved playing, but winning seemed impossible. Everything changed when I connected with Dr. Kachi, who provided me with a winning lottery number through a powerful spell. In just 24 hours, I was able to play the lottery and won the Lotto 6/49 prize, a remarkable $68 million cash prize, on September 27th in the Gold Ball Draw. This incredible win has completely changed my life and the financial well-being of my entire family. After 10 years of trying unsuccessfully, I am now living my dream life. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Kachi for his assistance, Dr. Kachi has truly been a blessing to me and my loved ones. I encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to Dr. Kachi for guidance. his email [email protected]. Also reach him text or call +1 (209) 893-8075.Thank you once again, Dr. Kachi, for making my dreams come true.
REPLYMartina Lawson@Noel Patricio
April 30, 2025, 5:45 pmEverybody can earn 220$/h + daily 1K… You can earn from 6000-12000 a month or even more if you work as a part time Work…It’s easy, just follow instructions on this page, read it carefully from start to finish… It’s a flexible job but a good eaning opportunity..go to this site home tab for more detail thank you…….
REPLYCOPY AND OPEN →→→ https://findprofit88.pages.dev/
DeanGoodlet@Martina Lawson
May 5, 2025, 11:45 amRemote work isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of work. qs Work Remotely from your own house. We just want your typing skills, You can make more than 120USD/Hr. No matter where you are. Let’s Grow together and do great things, even if we’re far apart…
Take a Look………
Begin here>>>>>>>>> https://tinyurl.com/46fjveeh
REPLYJhon@Noel Patricio
May 1, 2025, 2:21 amMakes $140 to $180 reliably online work and I got $16894 in One Month electronic acting from home. I am a modest piece at a time understudy and work in a general sense one to a few hours in my extra time. Everybody will finish that obligation and makes online additional money by basically open this link
HERE ➤➤ https://www.jobs67.com
REPLYTammy A. Miller
April 30, 2025, 5:56 amI get paid over $220 per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. I never thought I would be able to do it but my best friend earns over $35k a month doing this and she convinced me to try.
It was all true and has totally changed my life…. https://salaryhere.com/
REPLYPatriciaMKing@Tammy A. Miller
May 5, 2025, 3:01 amI get paid more than $100 to $500 per hour for working online. I heard about this job 3 months ago and after joining this I have earned easily $20k from this without having online working skills . Simply give it a shot on the accompanying site…
REPLYHere is I started.…………>> https://Www.Earn54.Com
Susan Bickford
May 1, 2025, 6:15 pmIt's A Great News to Celebrate with you Viewer, I am truly living the life I have been looking for after Dr Kachi made me win my Powerball Lottery, I had been playing for a good 8years. It was a friend of mine who directed me to Dr Kachi because my friend Nancy has won the Powerball so many times and I don't know how she got the match six numbers to play and win a very big amount of money, then the last time she won the Mega Millions I told her to tell me the secret on how she win. That's when she started telling me about the powerful Dr Kachi who has been her helper. and she gave me Dr Kachi Text/Call Number:+1 (209) 893-8075 I texted the greatest spell caster Dr Kachi and I told him I wanted to win my Powerball with his spiritual rightful number and he told me I should give him 2hours to get everything done and hopefully Dr Kachi do it, and give me a winning numbers to play my ticket that make me win the prize of $223.3 Million Dollars Powerball lottery Tuesday i bought the winning ticket at the Carlie C’s IGA store in Hope Mills, that changed my life for good today, and Dr Kachi a strong spell caster and trust him when he says the results will manifest it's Truth, God bless you Dr kachi for your kind help also can Email: [email protected]
REPLYPatriciaMKing@Susan Bickford
May 5, 2025, 2:59 amI get paid more than $100 to $500 per hour for working online. I heard about this job 3 months ago and after joining this I have earned easily $20k from this without having online working skills . Simply give it a shot on the accompanying site…
REPLYHere is I started.…………>> https://Www.Earn54.Com
HesterBrown@Susan Bickford
May 7, 2025, 10:12 amI have just received my 3rd payment order and $30,000 that I have built up on my laptop in a month through an online agent…!v76) This job is good and his regular salary is much better than my normal job. Work now and start making money online yourself.
REPLYGo here….… https://Www.Join.Work43.Com
Susan Bickford
May 2, 2025, 3:02 amIt's A Great News to Celebrate with you Viewer, I am truly living the life I have been looking for after Dr Kachi made me win my Powerball Lottery, I had been playing for a good 8years. It was a friend of mine who directed me to Dr Kachi because my friend Nancy has won the Powerball so many times and I don't know how she got the match six numbers to play and win a very big amount of money, then the last time she won the Mega Millions I told her to tell me the secret on how she win. That's when she started telling me about the powerful Dr Kachi who has been her helper. and she gave me Dr Kachi Text/Call Number:+1 (209) 893-8075 I texted the greatest spell caster Dr Kachi and I told him I wanted to win my Powerball with his spiritual rightful number and he told me I should give him 2hours to get everything done and hopefully Dr Kachi do it, and give me a winning numbers to play my ticket that make me win the prize of $223.3 Million Dollars Powerball lottery Tuesday i bought the winning ticket at the Carlie C’s IGA store in Hope Mills, that changed my life for good today, and Dr Kachi a strong spell caster and trust him when he says the results will manifest it's Truth, God bless you Dr kachi for your kind help also can Email: [email protected]
REPLYIrene
May 2, 2025, 4:43 amI still can't believe that my husband is back to me again, Dr.Ogudugu is a true God sent. I got my husband back within 48 hours after contacting Dr Ogudugu. I read so many marvelous testimonies and comments about Dr.Ogudugu on how he brought back their ex lover, i have to give it a try since so many other have failed me. I contacted him and explained how my husband left me for a younger lady, i never knew it would work so fast for me. After telling him about my situation he did everything humanly possible to see that my husband came back to me and i am very grateful and blessed to have meet Dr.Ogudugu. Dr.Ogudugu is real and genuine spiritual doctor that can rebuild any broken relationship or marriage with his natural love spell. Never give up on your love and believe as he has done it for me your testimony will be next. You can contact Dr.Ogudugu on. EMAIL: [email protected]. WHATSAPP: +2348163026536.
REPLY