The topic of gender roles has sparked many conversations in recent times. While some people challenge traditional stereotypes, others find fulfillment in following more traditional paths. Meet Estee Williams, a 25-year-old woman who strongly believes in maintaining her role as a “tradwife.”
Estee’s journey began when she met her husband, Connor, in 2020. Despite studying meteorology at the time, Estee decided to drop out of school and focus on fulfilling her gender roles. Connor, an electrician, works full-time, and Estee believes it’s her responsibility to make his life easier when he comes home.
To Estee, being a “tradwife” means spending around 5 hours a day in the kitchen, cooking from scratch and preparing all of her husband’s meals and lunches. In addition, she takes care of household chores, such as cleaning and laying out her husband’s clothes. Although Connor occasionally helps around the house, Estee never expects it.
What makes Estee and Connor’s marriage so successful is their mutual understanding of their designated gender roles. They don’t argue about these roles because they both know what is expected of them. While Estee supports her husband and takes care of the household, Connor takes the lead and guides their decisions.
Although the couple doesn’t have children yet, they plan to start a family in the next few years. Estee intends to continue fulfilling her gender roles by taking care of the kids while Connor works. She even plans to homeschool their children to ensure they receive an education that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Estee’s upbringing shaped her perspective on gender roles. Witnessing her parents’ divorce and her mother’s struggles taught her valuable lessons. Understanding that women can’t have it all, Estee is content with her choice to prioritize her role as a traditional wife. Despite facing criticism and being labeled as “lazy” on social media, Estee remains unfazed and values the peace of mind that comes with not having to work or worry about bills.
While the fight for gender equality is crucial, Estee’s story reminds us that everyone should be free to live their lives as they see fit. Although her preferences may not align with the movement to abolish gender roles, she and her husband have found a balance that brings them happiness and fulfillment.
