Are traditional gender norms holding back progress? Could radical choices offer a path to change? As America watches a resurgence of conservative values, many women are looking overseas for inspiration. Enter South Korea’s 4B movement—a grassroots, women-led response against patriarchy that’s gaining traction in the U.S. since the 2024 election results. Let’s dive into what the 4B movement stands for, why it’s resonating with women worldwide, and whether it’s the response American women might adopt.
What is the 4B Movement?
The 4B movement, which originated in South Korea in 2019, stands for four “no” principles that signify a stance against patriarchal structures:
- Bihon – No heterosexual marriage
- Bichulsan – No childbirth
- Biyeonae – No dating
- Bisekseu – No heterosexual sexual relationships
By opting out of traditional relationship structures, the 4B movement seeks to protect women’s autonomy, aiming to break cycles of dependence and inequality that many believe are rooted in traditional family dynamics. Rather than embracing these norms, 4B advocates choose not to engage in marriage, dating, or childbearing, with the idea that it’s the only way to achieve full autonomy.
Why Did Interest in the 4B Movement Spike After the 2024 US Election?
Interest in South Korea’s 4B movement surged among American women following the recent U.S. presidential election. On November 6, 2024, Donald Trump won re-election over Kamala Harris, leading some American women to question the societal and political climate that enabled his return to office. The aftermath of his victory has sparked fresh concerns over women’s rights in the U.S., particularly as the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturned Roe v. Wade, removing federal protection for abortion rights.
This development is perceived as a broader rollback of women’s freedoms, mirroring the challenges South Korean women face. It’s no wonder that the 4B movement’s call for autonomy and rejection of societal expectations appeals to those disillusioned with current political shifts in the U.S.
Core Principles of the 4B Movement
1. Bihon (No Marriage)
Marriage, traditionally viewed as a milestone, is seen by 4B Movement followers as a binding system that limits women’s freedom. In a culture where women are often expected to fulfill specific roles, marriage can be perceived as a form of control rather than a partnership.
2. Bichulsan (No Childbirth)
Childbirth is another norm that the 4B movement challenges, arguing that expectations around women bearing and raising children often sideline their personal and professional aspirations. This approach, controversial in many cultures, is seen as a radical rejection of roles traditionally associated with womanhood.
3. Biyeonae (No Dating)
The movement’s rejection of dating stems from the belief that traditional dating dynamics reinforce gender roles and pressure women to prioritize men’s needs. By abstaining, they argue, women reclaim power over their social and emotional lives.
4. Bisekseu (No Sexual Relationships with Men)
By not engaging in sexual relationships, women in the movement express that they are freed from the expectations of pleasing or satisfying a male partner, which they feel contributes to women’s lack of autonomy.
| Principle | Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bihon | No Marriage | Avoiding marriage to escape traditional gender roles |
| Bichulsan | No Childbirth | Avoiding childbirth to focus on personal goals |
| Biyeonae | No Dating | Avoiding dating to eliminate gender expectations |
| Bisekseu | No Heterosexual Sexual Relationships | Refraining from sex to maintain autonomy |
Gender Inequality in South Korea: The Roots of 4B
South Korea faces persistent gender inequality, evidenced by the highest gender pay gap in OECD countries. South Korean women make approximately 31% less than their male counterparts. Furthermore, intimate partner violence remains prevalent, with a 2021 study indicating that one in three Korean women experience domestic violence. The 4B movement’s goal is to address these issues by choosing not to engage in relationships that could perpetuate such risks.
Why the 4B Movement Resounds with American Women
In the U.S., the gender pay gap and restrictions on reproductive rights are still prevalent issues, compounded by social expectations for women to marry, have children, and prioritize family over career. Like South Korean women, many American women feel these norms restrict their potential and limit their autonomy. With the current political climate, more women are contemplating alternative paths to reclaim control over their futures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 4B Movement
- What exactly is the 4B movement? The 4B movement, originating in South Korea, is a lifestyle choice where women abstain from marriage, childbirth, dating, and heterosexual sex to break free from societal expectations.
- Why has the 4B movement gained attention in the U.S. recently? The recent U.S. presidential election, in which Donald Trump was re-elected, has raised concerns about women’s rights, prompting some American women to look toward the 4B movement as a possible response to changing social and political climates.
- Is the 4B movement anti-men? No, the 4B movement is not explicitly anti-men; rather, it is about autonomy and avoiding social structures that members believe contribute to gender inequality.
- How does the 4B movement relate to the gender pay gap? The gender pay gap is a global issue, and in South Korea, it’s among the widest in democratic countries. The 4B movement responds to this inequality by rejecting societal expectations around relationships and family.
- Could a similar movement work in the U.S.? While the 4B movement is specific to South Korean cultural and social conditions, its principles resonate with American women who feel disillusioned with traditional gender roles.
The 4B movement may seem radical, but it’s grounded in a desire for fairness, autonomy, and safety. In the wake of a contentious election and a shifting political climate, many American women are inspired by the movement’s call for independence from traditional roles. The 4B movement opens a conversation about women’s rights, equality, and the lengths to which individuals might go to reclaim their autonomy.
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