Cottagecore
Cottagecore (sometimes referred to as Countrycore or Farmcore)[1][2] is an internet aesthetic idealising rural life. Originally based on a rural European life,[3] it was developed throughout the 2010s and was first named cottagecore on Tumblr in 2018.[4] The aesthetic centres on traditional rural clothing, interior design, and crafts such as drawing, baking, and pottery, and is related to similar aesthetic movements such as grandmacore, goblincore, gnomecore and fairycore.
Some sources describe cottagecore as a subculture of Millennials and Generation Z. Economic forces and other challenges facing these young people may be a significant driver of this trend, along with these generations' emphasis on sustainability, and the trend to work from home (initially during the COVID-19 pandemic).
Critiques[edit]
According to critics, cottagecore offers an unrealistic, romanticised view of rural life.[5][18][21][51] Critics note the contrast between idyllic depictions of rural life constructed by the aesthetic and some of the realities of such spaces, such as the effects of rural poverty[9] or sanitation.[21] Lara Prendergast of The Spectator said "[P]rivileged humans have always hankered for the simple and rustic", and recalled that Marie Antoinette reportedly wanted to be a milkmaid.[52]
Rebecca Jennings of Vox magazine described cottagecore and dark academia as "historical aesthetics that evoke conservative values and gender roles".[53] Jennings and others also noted themes of Eurocentrism and heteronormativity.[53][54][51][55] Mudra Judkis of The Washington Post noted that its fanbase seemed to be composed mainly of white women.[21]