Virginia Woman Chooses to Embrace Traditional Homemaker Lifestyle.
Traditional Homemaker.
Script:
Estee Williams, a 25-year-old wife from Virginia, has garnered attention for her decision to live as a traditional homemaker in 2023. Williams, who wears vintage dresses and retro hairstyles, spends her days cooking and cleaning for her husband, Conner, who she says she defers to in all decision-making.Williams is part of a larger movement of women called "Tradwives," who are predominantly Christian and conservative millennials and Gen Zers. These women have chosen to lean out of the workforce and into homemaking, not for logistical or economic reasons, but because they yearn for a simpler time and embrace clearly defined gender roles.While the movement has been criticized for being anti-feminist, Williams argues that it is a choice that she is happy to make. "It's 2023 and this is my choice," she said in an interview with TODAY.com. "Asking for permission is a respectful thing. I am happy to do it, and he's happy to usually grant it."
Williams and her husband share a joint bank account, but he has final say on large financial purchases. They do not cultivate opposite-sex friendships, and Williams takes Conner's beauty and fashion preferences into consideration when choosing her clothing and hairstyles. They do not have children yet, but Williams has already decided that their son will learn how to work on cars, while their daughter will learn how to cook, clean, and maintain a home.The Tradwife movement has found a larger audience on social media, with hashtags like #FeminismSucks, #ConservativeWomen, #TwoGenders, and #DomesticDiscipline. Some of these hashtags are also used by alt-right and far-right groups, but not all Tradwives hold these political beliefs. According to Noam Shpancer, a psychology professor at Ohio's Otterbein University, the movement could be a reaction to the liberalization of American belief systems.
"voluntary return to traditional gender roles"
However, Stephanie Coontz, the director of research and public education for the Council on Contemporary Families, argues that the 1950s had its advantages mostly for men. Women had little economic opportunity outside of low-paying jobs and earned just 60% of male wages. The Tradwife movement, on the other hand, embraces a voluntary return to traditional gender roles and an idealized version of the past.Despite criticism from some, Williams believes that her choice to embrace the traditional homemaker lifestyle has benefited both herself and her marriage. "I put my husband's wants ahead of my own, and this has done nothing but benefit myself and my marriage," she said on TikTok.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Estee Williams has been a housewife in Virginia for 25 years. T/F
b) True or False - The Tradwife movement is made up of women who have left the workforce due to economic reasons. T/F
c) True or False - Williams and her husband share a joint bank account. T/F
d) True or False - The Tradwife movement is an anti-feminist. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Garnered attention"
b) "Retro"
c) "Liberalization"
d) "Idealized"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Garnered attention:
b) Retro:
c) Liberalization:
d) Idealized:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
One student plays the role of Estee Williams and the other student interviews her about her decision to live as a traditional homemaker. They can discuss her daily routine, her husband's role in decision-making, and the advantages and disadvantages of the Tradwife lifestyle.
One student plays the role of a Tradwife and the other plays the role of a career woman. They can discuss their different lifestyles, their goals and aspirations, and how they balance their responsibilities.
One student plays the role of a Tradwife and the other plays the role of a social media commentator. They can discuss the use of hashtags like #FeminismSucks, #ConservativeWomen, #TwoGenders, and #DomesticDiscipline, and how they affect the Tradwife movement. They can also discuss the potential risks and benefits of sharing personal information and opinions on social media.
Part 7: Writing Activity Compare and Contrast
Think about your teenage years, what were the fashion trends like?, What types of clothes did you wear? What hairstyle did you have?
Part 8: Critical Thinking -Tradwives good or bad?
Work in groups, one in support of the Tradwife movement and the other against it.
Each group should prepare arguments and evidence to support their position, and then have a debate.
Reach a consensus on the best social model for young ladies to follow.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that there is a growing movement of young women called "Tradwives" who are choosing to embrace traditional gender roles by leaving the workforce and becoming homemakers. The article discusses the story of Estee Williams, a 25-year-old Virginia woman who has gained attention for her decision to live as a traditional homemaker, and explores the reasons why she and other women are making this choice. The article also examines the criticism and controversy surrounding the movement, and features quotes from experts who provide different perspectives on the trend. The article was likely written to inform readers about the Tradwife movement and to provoke discussion about the pros and cons of traditional gender roles.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: False C: True D: False
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Garnered attention: The talented young artist's unique paintings garnered attention from art critics and collectors alike.
b) Retro: She wore a retro 1950s-style dress to the themed party, complete with a vintage hairstyle and accessories.
c) Liberalization: The liberalization of trade policies led to increased foreign investment in the country's economy.
d) Idealized: The children's book featured an idealized princess living in a perfect, magical world.
Part 7: Writing (example)
In the 1990s, fashion was a mix of different styles. I often wore baggy jeans, especially those with a high waist, and paired them with crop tops. Flannel shirts were a staple in my wardrobe, sometimes tied around my waist for that grunge look. Chokers were a must-have accessory, and I loved wearing them with almost any outfit. Mini skirts were a go-to choice for a fun and flirty look, often with patterned tights or leggings. When it came to shoes, platform sneakers were all the rage, and I couldn't resist their chunky soles. As for hairstyles, I rocked the iconic "Rachel" haircut, complete with layers and face-framing locks. Crimped hair was a fun style for special occasions, and I often used scrunchies and butterfly clips to accessorize and keep my hair out of my face. It was a time of experimenting with various looks, and the '90s certainly had a unique and eclectic fashion sense that I remember fondly.
