By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest
In an age dominated by feminism’s third and fourth waves—often characterized by hyper-independence, careerism, and a rejection of traditional femininity—a new trend is emerging among Swedish women known as "Soft Women." As highlighted by Pearl Daily, these women are pushing back against the aggressive modern feminist narrative and embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes traditional feminine virtues, homemaking, and a softer, more supportive role in relationships. This movement reflects a broader global shift as women increasingly realize that the empowerment sold to them by radical feminism often leads to loneliness, stress, and dissatisfaction rather than fulfillment and happiness.
The Rise of the Soft Women Movement
The Swedish "Soft Women" movement is a reaction to the societal pressures placed on women to compete in traditionally male-dominated spaces while downplaying their natural inclinations toward nurturing, emotional intelligence, and interdependent relationships. For decades, Sweden has been at the forefront of progressive gender policies, pushing women into the workforce en masse and attempting to redefine gender roles in the name of equality. Yet, as statistics and testimonies show, many Swedish women are now looking for something different—something more in line with their innate desires.
The "Soft Women" movement encourages women to embrace their femininity, prioritize homemaking, and seek strong, masculine husbands who can provide and lead. This is a stark contrast to the career-first, high-stress independence promoted by modern feminism, which has contributed to declining marriage rates, lower birth rates, and increased dissatisfaction among women in the Western world (Eberstadt, Primal Screams, 2019).
Feminism's False Promises
Since the 1960s, feminism has pushed the narrative that women must "break free" from the traditional roles of wife and mother to find fulfillment. This ideology has resulted in a society where women feel immense pressure to succeed in demanding careers while still being expected to maintain some semblance of a personal life. Studies have repeatedly shown that career-driven women in high-stress jobs often report lower levels of happiness than their stay-at-home counterparts (Stevenson & Wolfers, "The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness," 2009).
Sweden, in particular, has been a social experiment in this regard, pushing gender neutrality in schools, discouraging traditional family structures, and promoting policies that incentivize women to delay or forgo motherhood (Hakim, Erotic Capital, 2011). Yet, the growing Soft Women movement suggests that many Swedish women are rejecting this model, recognizing that traditional values often lead to more stable, fulfilling lives.
A Return to Natural Order
The core philosophy behind the Soft Women movement aligns with the timeless wisdom found in Christianity and traditional Western values. Biblical teachings emphasize the complementary roles of men and women in a family unit, with men as providers and protectors and women as nurturers and caretakers (Ephesians 5:22-25). When these roles are embraced rather than rejected, relationships tend to flourish.
Despite the backlash from feminists and leftist media, women who embrace softness and traditional roles report higher relationship satisfaction, lower stress levels, and greater personal happiness (Wilcox & Marquardt, The State of Our Unions, 2022). The increasing number of Swedish women aligning themselves with this movement signals a broader awakening—one that challenges the status quo of feminism’s ever-expanding demands.
A Threat to the Left’s Narrative
The emergence of the Soft Women movement is a direct challenge to the leftist feminist agenda, which relies on women being dependent on the state rather than on strong male leadership within families. Feminists argue that traditional gender roles are oppressive, yet evidence suggests that when women embrace their natural femininity, they experience less anxiety, more fulfillment, and greater security in their relationships (Regnerus, Cheap Sex, 2017).
Moreover, this shift terrifies progressives because it disrupts their hold on cultural and political power. A return to traditional family values means fewer women relying on government assistance, fewer women supporting radical feminist policies, and more stable family units raising the next generation with conservative values. This, in turn, undermines the leftist push for government dependency and gender deconstructionism.
Conclusion: A Future of Femininity
The Soft Women movement is more than just a passing trend; it is a reflection of a deeper, natural inclination that has been suppressed for decades by radical feminism. Women in Sweden, and indeed across the Western world, are beginning to realize that true empowerment does not come from competing with men or rejecting traditional roles, but from embracing the beauty and strength of femininity.
If this movement continues to grow, it could signal a broader cultural shift—one that restores balance between men and women, strengthens the family unit, and rejects the modern feminist dogma that has led to widespread unhappiness among women. In doing so, the Soft Women movement stands as a beacon of hope for a generation of women seeking fulfillment in ways that radical feminism has failed to provide.
Citations:
Eberstadt, Mary. Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics. Templeton Press, 2019.
Stevenson, Betsey & Wolfers, Justin. "The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2009.
Hakim, Catherine. Erotic Capital: The Power of Attraction in the Boardroom and the Bedroom. Basic Books, 2011.
Wilcox, W. Bradford & Marquardt, Elizabeth. The State of Our Unions. National Marriage Project, 2022.
Regnerus, Mark. Cheap Sex: The Transformation of Men, Marriage, and Monogamy. Oxford University Press, 2017.
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