Greta Filén Hammarström, a 28-year-old Swedish woman, has chosen to live as a housewife in China. She and her family relocated to Nantong after her husband received a job offer, allowing her to leave behind the stress of her former job as a preschool teacher in Sweden.
Greta spends her days taking care of the home, attending language lessons, exercising, and spending time with her three-year-old daughter. She enjoys the slower pace of life, the ability to prepare proper meals, and the opportunity to engage in activities she finds fulfilling.
Her new lifestyle has been given a name. It is called “soft girl” lifestyle. It encourages a more traditional and feminine way of living for women to whom this apeals.
Some argue that it is anti-feminist and that it encourages women to depend financially on their male partners. Greta, however, does not see it as a trap, emphasizing that she has a university degree, pension savings, and private financial security to fall back on.
Since moving to China, Greta has documented her life on TikTok, where she has faced both curiosity and criticism. Many of the negative reactions stem from her choice to live in an authoritarian country. She acknowledges that she exists within a small Swedish expatriate community and does not experience the “real China” as many perceive it. However, she says her everyday life in China feels safe.
Looking ahead, Greta and her family plan to return to Sweden in 2027. While she enjoys her current lifestyle, she believes that both she and her husband will need to work once back in Sweden, especially given the rising cost of living.
Source: Expressen.se
