Being a Traditional Woman Is Not a Slap to Feminism
I was scrolling through the comment section of my previous blog, “ We Are Taking the Men That They Don’t Want, So What Are These American Women Mad About?” and I still can’t believe how many people have completely missed the point and still proceeded to leave some comment such as the following:
“Don’t poor women from poor countries deserve a little better than the leftovers of rich, Western women?”
“Those men don’t want to have to abuse women into submission physically. They want a happy woman to submit without expecting anything in return. They want a woman who doesn’t know any better and is happy being used. It’s sick and men like that need to be a dying breed. It’s pathetic.”
“Strange the women they seek tend to be from poor, socially backward countries”
“These men aren’t going to these countries to find ‘successful’ women: they are going to find ‘submissive’ ones, which they admit freely.”
“… more traditional implies that you want a wife to fit the role of a servant — mediocre pay while they work long hours at dull, repetitive, “female” tasks to free your time to focus on your pursuits. Can transactional/traditional really be called love?”
A very genuine question though: What is wrong with being a traditional woman?
When we think of a “traditional woman,” what often comes to mind are images of women in the 1950s, wearing aprons and heels while cooking dinner for their husbands and children. This stereotypical view of a “traditional woman” can often clash with modern feminist ideals, as it appears to promote gender roles that limit women’s opportunities and autonomy.
It’s about time we recognize that many women do choose to prioritize family and home life and find fulfillment and empowerment in these roles. Being a traditional woman does not necessarily mean being against feminism, as long as a woman is making choices based on her own interests, values, and aspirations, rather than being limited by societal expectations or constraints.
The reality is that feminism is about supporting women’s choices and autonomy, regardless of whether those choices align with traditional gender roles or not. I appreciate the concern but aren’t we all free to make choices about our lives based on what we want, not what society thinks we should do?
One of the misconceptions about traditional women is that they are submissive or subservient to men. However, this is far from the truth. Many women who prioritize family and home life are strong, independent individuals who make important decisions and significantly impact their families and communities. They may be the primary caregivers for their children, but they are also leaders in their households, making important financial decisions, managing the house, and providing emotional support for their loved ones.
In fact, I personally think that the choice to prioritize family and home life can be seen as a feminist choice, as it allows women to reclaim their power and autonomy in a world that often undervalues caregiving and emotional labor. It is a way for women to challenge traditional gender roles that have historically limited their opportunities and agency.
Of course, I acknowledge that not all women have the luxury of choosing between family and career. Many women are forced to work outside the home due to financial necessity, while others may choose to balance both family and career responsibilities. This is where the feminist ideal of choice becomes especially important.
But then again, being a traditional woman doesn’t mean that a woman can’t also pursue a career or other interests outside of the home. Many women are able to balance both family and career responsibilities and find fulfillment and empowerment in both aspects of their lives. Being a traditional woman simply means that a woman has chosen to prioritize family and home life as a central part of her identity and values.
So no, being a traditional woman is not inherently against feminism. Feminism is about supporting women’s choices and autonomy, regardless of whether those choices align with traditional gender roles or not.
At the end of the day, feminism is about empowering women to make their own choices and to live their lives on their own terms.
“Feminism is not about emasculating men and bringing women to power. Feminism is about bringing equality to both genders and supporting other women, even when their life decisions are not for you.”
