Why Generation Z Is Embracing Traditionalism

Traditionalism is back. 

Healthy homes are being restored as young people are beginning to see the value of building a strong family unit. Generation Z is reviving the traditional practices of getting married younger and focusing on the home by adopting a way of life that is reminiscent of our morality-bound ancestors. Masculine men who provide and feminine women who turn houses into safe spaces are unexpectedly being pitched as a desirable relationship dynamic on social media.  

Cambridge Dictionary defines a traditional lifestyle as a way of living that reflects previous generations. In this case, Gen Z is seeing the value in how their grandparents and great grandparents once lived.  

Even among non-Christians, detrimental habits like heavy drinking and hookup culture are seemingly on their way out, at least on social media. 

Instead, prioritizing rest, spending time outside and reading are in. This new wave of traditionalism is being showcased on social media as popular female influencers are posting about their favorite “slow morning” routines and how they prioritize their families. Additionally, in a shocking turn of events, young marriage is more readily accepted within Gen Z than its preceding generations. 

Lucy Wigley reported in Good to Know that 35% of Gen Z share dreams of getting married, and 34% hope that children will follow.  

“Along with leading future generations into making sobriety the norm, it’s been found that Gen Z along with millennials, are prioritizing traditional life goals – while it’s their boomer parents who are dreaming of trips overseas,” Wigley wrote.  

Trends like baking sourdough, growing fresh herbs, cooking at home, making mocktails and having craft nights with friends are all over social media. Gen Z is buying into a life that produces less stress and is easier on the body and mind as it forsakes some mainstream, immoral pastimes.  

“This generation that has come of age in crisis increasingly values things typically associated with conservatism: routine, tradition, privacy and faith,” according to the State Network Policy. 

Within this shift towards traditionalism, Gen Z is searching for something deeper. They’re searching for security in stable lifestyles, healthy living and genuine personal connection. This generation has noticed that stability doesn’t come from chronic partying, or other secular pastimes promoted by previous generations; rather, they are turning to traditionalism to find peace of mind.  

According to The Michigan Daily, 78% of Gen Z prefer face-to-face interaction with peers.  

There is no doubt that COVID-19 motivated this longing for real, human connection. The chaos and fear that 2020 brought left Gen Z standing on completely fresh ground, wondering what comes next.  

“In a world following a global pandemic that caused many people to reevaluate their expectations for themselves and their lives, ideas of ease and comfort prevail. With a generation riddled with dormant fear of worldwide disruption, it is no surprise that people would rather have easy security than great risk,” Kiera Chambers wrote for The Review.  

Gen Z is searching for something deeper than the shallow worldliness that they grew up with: But will they be able to find it within a secular world? 

This generation is trying to fill a Jesus-shaped hole with anything that will give them temporary pleasure. Gen Z may be turning towards traditionalism to find lasting happiness, which could be inspired partly by Christian lifestyle values; but this is not the same thing as the joy of salvation we find in Christ. 

What many don’t realize is that traditionalism, or any other cultural movement isn’t going to fill the void that is left in their souls. Living with traditional values, secular values, or any other sort of debased moral code isn’t enough to find complete peace. The only thing that can fill that hollow space is the Lord. 

Mullet is a staff writer for the Liberty Champion.