Previously, I outlined the major writers of the five waves of historical feminism. However, with each movement came perceived excesses and over-reaches, especially the rejection of motherhood, wifery, and masculinity. These impacted not only the men and women of the time, but especially their children. And often, not in good ways. Here are some of the-counter-movements.
1.0 Maternal Feminism (1800’s)
Maternal feminism emerged in the 19th century and emphasized women’s role as mothers and caregivers. It argued that women’s influence within the family was crucial to the well-being of society as a whole. This movement advocated for women’s moral and educational authority within the domestic sphere, seeing motherhood as a source of power and social responsibility.
1.1 Catherine Beecher (1800-1878)
Beecher was an advocate for women’s education and emphasized the importance of women’s roles as educators and moral guardians within the home. She believed that women’s primary sphere of influence was the domestic realm and argued for the professionalization of domestic work through education and training. Sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe.
1.2 Sarah Josepha Hale (1788–1879)
Hale was an influential writer and editor who used her platform to advocate for women’s education and the value of motherhood. She promoted the idea of women as moral and spiritual guides within the family and supported women’s involvement in charitable and educational endeavors.
1.3 Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)
Stowe, best known for her novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was a prominent abolitionist and advocate for women’s rights. Her writings often emphasized the importance of women’s moral influence in shaping society and promoting social reform. Sister of Catherine Beecher.
1.4 Lydia Sigourney (1791-1865)
Sigourney was a prolific poet and essayist who addressed themes of domesticity, motherhood, and women’s role in society. Her works celebrated the virtues of femininity and domestic life while also advocating for women’s education and moral influence.
2.0 New Domesticity Movement (Late 1900’s – Present)
The New Domesticity Movement, sometimes referred to as neo-traditionalism, arose as a response to the perceived stress and dissatisfaction associated with modern career-focused lifestyles. It emphasizes the value of homemaking, parenting, and domestic skills, advocating for a return to traditional family roles and self-sufficiency. This movement often incorporates elements of environmentalism, organic living, and DIY culture.
2.1 Shannon Hayes
Hayes is the author of “Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture” (2010), which explores the value of homemaking and self-sufficiency as a form of social change. She advocates for a return to traditional skills and practices, such as gardening, preserving food, and DIY living.
2.2 Holly Pierlot
Pierlot is known for her book “A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul” (2004), which promotes the idea of motherhood as a vocation and offers practical advice for managing household responsibilities while prioritizing spiritual and family life.
2.3 Mary Pride
Pride is the author of “The Way Home: Beyond Feminism, Back to Reality” (1985), which critiques feminism and advocates for traditional gender roles within the family. She promotes the idea of women as homemakers and mothers, arguing that this is the most fulfilling and natural role for women. She also wrote one of the most popular collections of homeschooling materials, and founded Practical Homeschooling Magazine.
2.4 Elizabeth Esther
Esther is a blogger and author who writes about her experiences leaving the feminist movement and embracing traditional gender roles. She advocates for a return to traditional values and family structures, emphasizing the importance of motherhood and homemaking.
3.0 Conservative Feminism (1900’s – Present)
Conservative feminism advocates for women’s rights and empowerment within the framework of traditional family values and roles. It supports women’s education and career opportunities but also values the roles of wife and mother. This movement often opposes what it sees as the more radical elements of mainstream feminism, such as reproductive rights and gender equality legislation.
3.1 Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016)
Schlafly was a conservative activist who opposed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and advocated for traditional family values. She argued that the ERA would undermine the role of women as wives and mothers and worked to mobilize conservative women against the amendment.
3.2 Carrie Lukas
Lukas is the managing director of the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative think tank that promotes policies and initiatives aligned with conservative feminism. She advocates for policies that support women’s choices, including the choice to prioritize family and home life.
3.3 Midge Decter (1927-)
Decter is a conservative writer and commentator who has written extensively on issues related to feminism and family. She has criticized feminism for undermining traditional family structures and values and has advocated for a return to more traditional gender roles within the family.
3.4 Beverly LaHaye (1929-)
LaHaye is the founder of Concerned Women for America, a conservative women’s organization that promotes traditional family values and opposes feminism. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s roles as wives and mothers and has worked to mobilize conservative women around issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
4.0 Pro-Natalist Feminism (1900’s – Present)
Pro-natalist feminism encourages childbirth and larger families, emphasizing the importance of motherhood and family stability. It may promote policies and initiatives aimed at increasing fertility rates and providing support for families. This movement often intersects with conservative ideologies and values, emphasizing the importance of traditional family structures. A lot of overlap between this and the Conservative Feminism above. This could be seen as a subset of it.
4.1 Beverly LaHaye (1929-)
LaHaye is the founder of Concerned Women for America, a conservative women’s organization that promotes traditional family values and opposes feminism. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s roles as wives and mothers and has worked to mobilize conservative women around issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
4.2 Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016)
Schlafly was a prominent figure in the pro-natalist movement, advocating for policies and initiatives aimed at increasing fertility rates and supporting traditional family structures. She argued against feminism and the Equal Rights Amendment, believing that they undermined the importance of motherhood and family life.
4.3 Mary Pride
Pride is an author and advocate for large families and homeschooling. She has written extensively about the importance of motherhood and the benefits of raising large families. Her work promotes the idea of women as mothers and caregivers, emphasizing the value of traditional family roles.
4.4 Nancy Campbell
Campbell is the founder of Above Rubies, a pro-natalist ministry that promotes traditional family values and motherhood. She advocates for the importance of women’s roles as wives and mothers and encourages women to embrace their calling as mothers and homemakers.
5.0 Tradwives Movement (Late 20th Century to Present)
The Tradwife Movement, short for “traditional wives,” promotes traditional gender roles within the family, with an emphasis on homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting husbands. It often idealizes traditional femininity and domesticity, rejecting feminist critiques of traditional gender roles. This movement celebrates and seeks to preserve what it sees as the timeless values of family and marriage.
A separate movement in some ways, it has overlap with the Domesticity New movement. The New Domesticity movement focuses on the value of homemaking, parenting, and domestic skills, often as a response to the perceived stress and dissatisfaction associated with modern career-focused lifestyles. The Tradwives movement, short for “traditional wives,” emphasizes traditional gender roles within the family, with an emphasis on homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting husbands.
5.1 Alena Kate Pettitt
Pettitt is a prominent figure in the tradwives movement and the author of “Ladies Like Us: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Self-Discovery, Traditional Femininity and Faith.” She advocates for traditional gender roles within the family and promotes the idea of women as homemakers and caregivers.
5.2 Suzanne Venker
Venker is a conservative writer and commentator who has written extensively about gender and family issues. She advocates for traditional gender roles within the family and criticizes feminism for undermining marriage and family stability. Her work promotes the idea of women as wives and mothers, emphasizing the importance of traditional family values.
5.3 Elizabeth Fox-Genovese (1941-2007)
Fox-Genovese was a historian and scholar who wrote about gender and family issues from a conservative perspective. She criticized feminism for its focus on individualism and autonomy and advocated for a return to traditional family values. Her work emphasized the importance of women’s roles as wives and mothers in preserving social order and stability.
5.4 Laura Doyle
Doyle is the author of “The Surrendered Wife” and a prominent figure in the tradwives movement. She promotes the idea of women relinquishing control in their marriages and embracing traditional gender roles. Her work emphasizes the importance of respect, submission, and nurturing in marital relationships.
5.5 Emily Matchar
Matchar argues that the shift back towards domesticity has its roots in the disaffection of a youthful middle class; she also assesses its implications for gender roles and dynamics. 1
CONCLUSION
These movements highlight the diverse perspectives within feminism, reflecting ongoing debates about the roles and values associated with womanhood, family, and society.
- OPTING OUT: WHY WOMEN ARE EMBRACING THE NEW DOMESTICITY (psmag.com)[↩]