The term "Stepford" originates from the 1972 novel "The Stepford Wives" by Ira Levin. It describes a fictional suburban community where the wives are eerily perfect and submissive, leading to a chilling exploration of gender roles and identity. The story raises questions about conformity and the loss of individuality. In popular culture, "Stepford" has come to symbolize a place or situation where people, particularly women, are expected to conform to traditional roles without question. This concept has been referenced in various films, television shows, and discussions about societal expectations and the pressures to maintain an idealized image.