Women across the United States are contemplating the 4B Movement as a political response to the 2024 presidential election results. Across platforms like X (Twitter), Threads, and TikTok, Gen Z, and Millennial women are discussing the South Korean feminist movement as a plausible response to a Trump presidency.
But what does that entail? No dating, no sex, no children, no marriage.
What is the 4B Movement?
The 4B Movement stands for bihon, bichulsan, biyeonae, and bisekseu. This phrase, translated from Korean, means “no marriage, no childbirth, no dating, and no sex with men.” The movement originated as a feminist response to patriarchal structures. Korean women opted out out of traditional expectations.
In a society where gender inequality remains entrenched, 4B calls for women to redefine their autonomy by disengaging from societal norms that place men’s needs at the forefront.
South Korea Origins
4B emerged in 2016 in South Korea, sparked by a high-profile case that shocked the nation. A man murdered an unnamed woman, claiming he was “ignored” by women. This act sparked a national conversation about deep-rooted misogyny in the country.
The incident prompted many women to reassess their roles in a society that dehumanizes and marginalizes them. This tragedy fueled the 4B movement’s rise as a radical, empowering stand against systemic patriarchy.
In 2023, South Korea saw a steep decline in birthrates, with a rate of just 0.72 . For context, a nation needs a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman to maintain a steady population.
It’s difficult to quantify the 4B Movement’s direct impact on these numbers. However, the correlation points to deep dissatisfaction among women who feel the current social structure does not serve them.
4B in the United States
The conversation around 4B has reached American shores, after the 2024 presidential election. With Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency, this political shift reignited fears about women’s rights. This is particularly true for reproductive autonomy and gender equality. Kamala Harris’s platform had championed reproductive rights and gender equality, and her loss is perceived by many as a step backward for progress in these areas.
For some women, 4B resonates as more than a fringe reaction—it feels like a necessary political stance. As an unmarried, childless 30-something woman living in a major American city, I see firsthand how the social landscape is changing.
The vast majority of my friends are intentionally single. They’re educated, financially independent, and have chosen to opt out of dating men for the foreseeable future. And that’s largely due to dissatisfaction with their options and disillusionment with patriarchal dynamics.
Critiques of the Movement
Despite its appeal to some, the effectiveness of the 4B Movement is a subject of debate. Critics argue that disengagement may not dismantle the system but rather allow it to persist unchallenged. Historically, feminist movements have pushed for systemic change through active participation and advocacy. Some feminists believe that by choosing to withdraw entirely, women may miss opportunities to enact change from within and shift cultural norms.
Is the 4B Movement Transphobic?
One area of contention is how the 4B Movement intersects with the experiences of queer and trans women. Critics point out that the movement’s framework assumes a gender binary and may not fully account for diverse gender identities and relationships that exist outside traditional male-female dynamics.
There are also online accounts labeling themselves as 4B who are openly TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminist). Queer and trans women often face distinct struggles within patriarchy, and it’s worth questioning whether 4B’s principles align with or exclude those experiences.
Is 4B just the other side of the Conservative Coin?
Another critique of the 4B Movement is that it mirrors conservative abstinence strategies. Sex as a form of protest may appear to align with conservative values that emphasize purity.
However, proponents argue that the underlying intention is different. 4B seeks to decenter men and prioritize women’s autonomy, whereas conservative abstinence often reinforces patriarchal control over women’s choices.
Solidarity and “Pick Me” Culture
One of the challenges for the 4B Movement is building solidarity among women. The concept of “pick me” culture—where women uphold patriarchal values in the hopes of gaining male approval—can create division within feminist spaces.
For 4B to gain traction in the U.S., there must be an understanding that differing choices can coexist. Mutual support is critical, even among women who may not fully embrace abstinence.
Is the 4B Movement Actually Feminist?
The question of whether 4B aligns with feminist principles is complex. On one hand, the movement represents a form of protest against societal norms and a bid for independence. It encourages women to become financially independent, build communities with other women, and engage in relationships with men only when it serves their well-being.
On the other hand, some argue that true feminism involves engaging in efforts to dismantle patriarchy through active participation, advocacy, and fostering alliances, even with men. This view suggests that healthy engagement with men—clear boundaries, shared responsibilities, and equitable partnerships—may be more effective in challenging the status quo.
Is there an alternative?
For women who question the practicality or inclusivity of 4B, alternative paths may focus on:
- Fostering strong, supportive communities of women and allies
- Engagement in activism and education
- Financial independence
- Discernment and strong personal boundaries to foster healthy relationships with men
The goal could be to strike a balance: decentering men while fostering systems that bolster women’s autonomy and resilience. For those pursuing heteronormative relationships, it’s essential to uphold firm boundaries, walk away when they aren’t respected, and maintain financial independence to ensure freedom of choice.
Leaning on a network of supportive women and allies makes all the difference. It’s how we lift each other up and create the space for true autonomy.
Such a great article on the 4B movement! It gave great information and helped me get up to speed about what it was. I also enjoyed the different perspectives provided about the movement which made it informative yet non-biased.