The ‘First Partner’ takes on the ‘tradwife’

Jennifer Siebel Newsom is not a fan of the “tradwife” phenomenon.

The word “tradwife” is a portmanteau of “traditional wife.” It’s mostly a social media phenomenon, in which women post pictures of themselves in 1950s mode: wearing aprons, baking pies, cradling babies.

The underlying idea: women finding fulfillment in providing for their husbands’ and children’s needs. 

Shocking, deeply shocking.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom is not a fan of the “tradwife” phenomenon. Getty Images

In a recent interview, Mrs. Newsom said of “tradwives”: “I want to make sure those women have a voice, not just at home but in the public sphere that isn’t just about consumerism or being in service to men only but that’s also normalising that women have so much to offer the world outside of the home – a power that’s been missing from the decision-making tables.”

What we think she means is that those women need help.

Because who would actually choose domestic life over a career in politics?

That’s the perspective we might expect from someone who rejects the title “First Lady” in favor of “First Partner,” erasing the feminine role. (The same title would apply if Gavin had married a man.)

Public life certainly has been lucrative for Mrs. Newsom, whose nonprofit has reeling in millions of dollars in “behested payments” from donors the governor approached.

(Ironically, that makes her more dependent on her husband, not less.)

The reason the “tradwife” phenomenon has become popular is because it is a contrast to the general trend in society. Women are pursuing careers and delaying marriage and childbirth — if they have children at all.

Fertility rates have collapsed in nearly every industrialized nation. (The United States and Israel used to be the only exceptions. Now, even Americans have stopped having children; only Israel has a population rate above replacement.)

So there is a fascination with the disappearing role of the “tradwife.” It draws attention because it is so unusual.

But the “tradwife” trend is more than a meme. There are, in fact, many young women who are deciding to buck the trend and choose more traditional lifestyles.

For many, that means putting off their career goals — but not forever. Women can, and do, move back and forth between home and the workplace.

One of the most well-known advocates of women’s traditional roles is Erica Kirk, widow of the assassinated conservative icon Charlie Kirk. She is no slouch in the career department.

“Tradwives” are not damsels in distress. And their choices deserve respect.