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Trad Wife Myth: Evolution Expert Debunks Claims
31 May
Summary
- Women have historically worked outside the home, contrary to trad wife beliefs.
- Gendered career interests may widen in wealthier, more developed nations.
- Early childhood play differences suggest innate sex-linked motivations.
The concept of the 'trad wife,' which posits a historical norm of women staying home while men provide, is largely a myth, according to evolutionary psychologist Dr. Steve Stewart-Williams. He explains that for most of human history, women actively participated in work outside the home, such as gathering food. Therefore, the idea of this being a natural arrangement for the species is unsubstantiated.
Dr. Stewart-Williams notes that while men and women may naturally gravitate towards different career types, such as women in people-focused fields and men in STEM, societal development impacts this. In more affluent and developed nations, the 'gender equality paradox' can lead to wider gender divides in careers. This is because greater economic freedom allows innate differences more room to flourish, unlike in less affluent nations where economic necessity often dictates career choices.
Evidence from early childhood suggests potential innate sex differences in interests, with boys often preferring play-fighting and girls showing early parental motivation through doll play. Dr. Stewart-Williams emphasizes that while individuals should pursue their interests, forcing strict 50-50 gender balances in all professions may be unnatural due to these average sex differences.
