From the Netflix documentary on the Duchess of Sussex to countless influencer videos, women are presenting themselves in more traditional roles.

They care for children, cook elaborate meals—often in designer dresses—and shape their homes with pride. A term has emerged for this trend: “tradwives.” Some also signal their commitment to the Christian faith.

Beyond social media

This is not limited to the digital world. In church services, more women appear whose clothing and demeanor reflect conservative gender roles.

Long skirts, pinned-up hair, or veils are common, especially at Masses celebrated in the pre-conciliar rite. Many kneel to receive Communion on the tongue.

Searching for answers

As a young scholar skeptical of “women-belong-in-the-kitchen” ideas, I cannot help but ask questions.

What drives women to adopt this submissive posture, whether at home or in church? Is this a passing trend, or a conscious search for stability in tradition?

Converts seem especially receptive.

One acquaintance converted to Catholicism at her husband’s request. She now wears long skirts, receives Communion on the tongue, and, while raising three children, works in a Catholic parish where she models this role.

Outdated images, lasting influence

Whether Meghan of Sussex or a parish worker, these women project a public image that feels outdated.

Influencers in particular shape the views of many young people. Their curated lives ripple outward, with consequences for the Church.

Faith revival and its risks

The Catholic Church is seeing revival, from mass baptisms in France to renewed media attention.

But I find it troubling that many young women turn deliberately to traditional expressions of faith. Women fought for centuries to secure rights—a struggle that allows me to write today.

The Church and its liturgy are multifaceted. Many expressions of faith should coexist.

Still, it seems wise to watch the “tradwife” trend closely, especially with so many young women working for equality inside the Church.

• Katja Neubauer is a Doctoral Student in Liturgical Studies at the University of Würzburg, Germany. She has Magister in Theology and a Bachelor of Education. She recently presented at the Societas Liturgia Congress in Paris (2025). Katja is a liturgical musician and has published articles in “Gottesdienst”, the publication of the Liturgical Institutes of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.