By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s election victory, a wave of American women on social media are embracing the “4B” movement, a South Korean feminist initiative encouraging women to abstain from romantic and sexual relationships with men until gender equality is achieved. This surge in interest, evident across platforms like TikTok, X, and Threads, reflects a growing frustration among women with the perceived lack of progress towards gender equality and a sense of disillusionment with men’s willingness to protect women’s rights. The movement’s resonance is amplified by Trump’s successful appeal to young male voters, further fueling the perception of a political landscape that disregards women’s needs.
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The 4B movement, originating in South Korea, is a feminist movement encouraging women to opt out of marriage, childbirth, romance, and sexual relationships. It’s a response to the deeply ingrained patriarchal structures in South Korean society, where women face issues like dating violence, revenge porn, and significant gender wage gaps. The movement’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, coinciding with South Korea’s record-low birth rate. Many women feel the cost of motherhood in a patriarchal society is too high, and they refuse to be treated as “baby-making machines.”
While the 4B movement has been around since the late 2010s, it gained attention in the US earlier this year with a feature article in New York magazine. The article highlighted how women in South Korea are cutting their hair and eschewing beauty products as a form of protest, facing threats and attacks for their stance.
The recent election of Donald Trump, with its threats to reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the reemergence of misogyny, has fueled the movement’s spread on platforms like TikTok. Women are feeling anxious and vulnerable, and the 4B movement offers a way to channel that fear into action.
Some comments express anxieties about the future, pointing out the real threat to women’s bodily autonomy, particularly reproductive rights. The prospect of a complete abortion ban and potential restrictions on contraceptives is a terrifying reality for many women. Comments also highlight the hypocrisy of those who express concern about declining birth rates while actively supporting policies that contribute to it.
The 4B movement is seen as a way for women to take control of their bodies and futures. The movement’s philosophy resonates with many women who are tired of being treated as second-class citizens and are seeking a path to empowerment. It’s also a call to men to acknowledge and address the pervasive misogyny that fuels the movement.
The 4B movement is not about punishing men, but rather about women prioritizing their own well-being and security. It is a form of self-preservation, a response to the reality of a world where women’s rights are under constant threat. The movement has sparked heated discussions online, with some men expressing anger and frustration, while others express support and solidarity.
The movement has also been met with skepticism and dismissal, with some arguing that it’s a fleeting social media trend. Others believe it will be ineffective, as women will continue to engage in relationships and have children despite the risks. However, the 4B movement is a powerful symbol of the growing feminist consciousness and the desire for women to have agency over their own lives.
While the future of the 4B movement remains uncertain, its impact on the political landscape and the discourse around women’s rights is undeniable. It has created a space for women to express their anxieties, frustration, and anger, and to demand change. Whether it ultimately results in a widespread shift in attitudes and behaviors remains to be seen.