Charity: Trad wife trend ‘harmful’

A national mental health charity has said this week it is concerned about a growing trend on social media which idealises a return to traditional gender roles.

Turn2Me has raised concerns about the so called ‘Trad Wife’ trend describing it as “harmful”.

The trend, the charity said, idealises a return to traditional gender roles where women are expected to focus solely on homemaking and submissiveness to their husbands.

The charity said this movement sends a regressive and damaging message to both men and women, undermining decades of progress in gender equality, and is an unrealistic lifestyle for most.

The charity listed five reasons the trend is harmful. Turn2Me stated the ‘Trad Wife’ trend perpetuates outdated and harmful gender stereotypes that confine women to domestic roles and men to being sole breadwinners. It also glorifies the idea that women should prioritise homemaking over careers or personal ambitions.

Thirdly, the charity said it promotes unhealthy relationships. It said it can foster unhealthy relationship patterns, where one partner holds power over the other. Turn2Me has warned that these dynamics can lead to emotional and psychological harm, including feelings of being trapped, resentment, dependency, and even abuse. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, equality, and shared responsibilities - values that this trend directly contradicts.

It is concerned the trend may contribute to increased mental health issues, particularly among women who feel pressured to conform to this ideal. It said the unrealistic expectations set by this movement can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of failure when people are unable to meet these standards.

Men may also suffer from the pressure to conform to traditional roles as sole providers, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional distress.

Lastly, the charity said it puts all the financial pressure on men.

The charity pointed out that many of the online influencers who are promoting the ‘Trad Wife’ trend on social media come from generational wealth, make money from their online content via sponsorships, or are married to wealthy men. The reality for most households in Ireland today is that they can’t afford for one parent to be the sole source of income.

The charity said the pressure for men to be the sole financial provider can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. This expectation can cause feelings of inadequacy if they struggle to meet all the financial demands of their household.