Girlboss or Tradwife? | Emma Waters

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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