
Girlboss or Tradwife? | Emma Waters
From Heritage Explains by Heritage Podcast Network
April 8, 2026 · 21 min
About this episode
Emma Waters discusses the debate between the girlboss and tradwife archetypes and proposes a third path for women.
In some online subcultures, Women have been drawn into a debate between two competing archetypes: the girlboss and the tradwife. The girlboss is an ambitious woman who confidently takes on the business world, which is often dominated by men. The tradwife is a woman who subverts modern expectations by taking on traditional gender roles, prioritizing homemaking and the raising of children. But Heritage Senior Policy Analyst Emma Waters characterizes herself as neither of these. In her new book, Lead Like Jael, she suggests that neiterh side of the debate serves women’s interests, and instead plots a third path. I sat down with Emma to talk about it. Email us with thoughts, questions, or suggestions: HeritageExplains@heritage.org Emma Waters at Heritage: https://www.heritage.org/staff/emma-waters Emma’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Like-Jael-Timeless-Principles/dp/1510783539
People in this episode
Host: Heritage Podcast Network
Guest: Emma Waters
Topics covered
- gender roles
- feminism
- women's empowerment
- subcultures
- traditional values
Keywords
- girlboss
- tradwife
- Emma Waters
- gender roles
- women's empowerment
- Lead Like Jael
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Heritage Podcast Network
Books & works: Lead Like Jael
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