Can traditional gender roles be reclaimed and modernized or are they inherently oppressive?

I'd love an example to get a better idea what you're talking about. I think that some things like getting dolled up & engaging with 'traditional' crafts like knitting & sewing can be enjoyed as part of one's own personality rather than to please male figures, which could be considered reclaiming them. I can't think of any women embracing the homemaker lifestyle in a way that actually empowers them, though- I would consider their romanticising of it just appealing to the patriarchy.

I really like the japanese youtuber 'kimono mom' as an example of how we can adapt traditional culture into our own lifestyles in a way that enhances our self-expression. she used to work as a geisha (which is not related to sex work at all) & during her training as a maiko she learned how to dress herself in kimono, japan's traditional folkwear, which she has carried with her beyond the hanamachi (geisha district) because she realised that wearing kimono added to her identity rather than boxing her into the 'ideal feminine traditional-minded woman'. although she works from home & in a kitchen, she refuses to call herself a housewife- the exact reasons for which I forget, but she's spoken about it before on her youtube if you'd like to check her reasoning out c:

thank you for the question!

Ohh, actually this is a really nice response and definitely made me view my question in another light. I was primarily thinking about online scenes such as the 'TradTok', and using words as house-wife or being a stay-at-home-mom (not that there is anything neccesarily wrong with it, but it definitely paints a picture)

Ty for the reply though! Genuinly, because it's made me a bit more open minded

In my opinion, it's completely okay as long as everyone has the right to choose.

What the issue is now is that many influencers are spreading a sort of propaganda, and romanticizing that lifestyle, saying it is easy and not hard. This is especially popular amongst Gen Z because I'm sure many of us including men as well like the idea of not having to worry about money. This pipeline, however, is dangerous and can lead many people down a right-wing path, which is why it's important to be aware of the history regarding homemakers and housewives. That sort of language as well can now be dismissive of the work that goes on in a home. Taking care of a home is a job in itself, which many seem to forget.

Personally, I would like to take care of my home one day, but I am also going to school. The importance is in the choice we have.