The 4B Movement: A Feminist Response to Trump’s Re-Election
In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election as President in 2024, a surge of interest has emerged among American women in South Korea’s 4B movement. This feminist movement, which stands for “biyeonae” (no dating), “bisekseu” (no sex), “bihon” (no marriage), and “bichulsan” (no childbirth), advocates for women to reject traditional heterosexual relationships as a form of protest against misogyny and gender discrimination.
The 4B movement originated in South Korea in 2018, gaining traction as a response to systemic misogyny and gender-based violence. It encourages women to withdraw from relationships with men, thereby challenging patriarchal structures and asserting their independence. The movement has now found resonance among American women disillusioned by the political climate following Trump’s victory.
Social media platforms like TikTok and X have seen a spike in posts from American women expressing their intention to adopt the 4B principles. Many of these women view the movement as a way to reclaim agency over their bodies and lives in a political environment perceived as hostile to women’s rights. The renewed interest in 4B highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the search for new forms of feminist activism.
In conclusion, the 4B movement represents a robust response to the challenges faced by women in both South Korea and the United States. By rejecting traditional gender roles and relationships, women are finding new ways to resist and challenge systemic inequalities.
