Sheryl Sandberg’s New Mission Against “Tradwives”

A former Facebook executive, Sheryl Sandberg, has found a new purpose in opposing the so-called “tradwives.” These are women who present traditional domestic lives online. Sandberg, who served as the COO of Facebook from 2008 until 2022, views this trend and the related messages from certain podcasters as a societal threat.

Per a report by the Wall Street Journal, Sandberg is stepping back from her leadership at Lean In, her feminist non-profit, handing the reins to a 25-year-old CEO. Her focus now? Challenging the online right.

Exclusive: Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In nonprofit has shed about a quarter of its staff as the founder focuses on pushing back against the “tradwife” and manosphere movements.

In an interview with People magazine, she emphasized the need for a realistic approach, arguing that old, sexist ideas shouldn’t be reinforced by new terminology like “tradwife.” She expressed concern that such labels could make women feel insecure or guilty about their choices.

Sandberg stated, “Let’s be clear: You are not harming your marriage and you are not harming your children by working and by being ambitious.”

To be fair, Sandberg does highlight a relevant point: many women today need to work just to keep up with expenses like mortgages and childcare. Without diving into overly broad critiques, it’s evident that both governments and corporations benefit from women in the workforce. More workers translate to more tax income and increased consumer spending.

There’s also an ongoing discussion among conservative women regarding the authenticity of “tradwife” influencers and their true values. For instance, can posting videos of oneself in a milkmaid dress while milking cows really be deemed conservative? Some might argue it leans more toward performative antics.

The “manosphere,” which includes various male figures and podcasters discussing modern masculinity, has its share of controversial figures, notably Andrew Tate. I must admit, I’m not particularly fond of the manosphere; however, I can see why certain young men are drawn to it. While Tate may not be the best example, there are others who provide a space for men who feel disheartened by prevailing liberal narratives that often paint them in a negative light.

Sandberg’s mission against this online trend may seem committed, but honestly, if I had her resources, I’d probably step away from public life and enjoy a quieter existence, perhaps like that of an 80-year-old gentleman from Naples, Italy.

For Sandberg, her ambition means actively shaping the world around her. She’s certainly driven and different in that regard.