4B movement: How feminism challenges US patriarchy in post-Trump era

The 4B movement, a feminist idealogy originating in South Korea, is gaining traction in the US following the political upheaval of recent years.

There’s been a big comeback in feminist activism, especially around women’s rights, after the re-election of Donald Trump.

To understand the 4B movement as it gains traction throughout the US, one must appreciate the varied challenges and complexities that women encounter today in America.

What is the 4B movement?

The 4B feminist movement calls on women to abstain from the four B’s, also known as the “four no’s.”

• Dating men (biyeonae; 비연애)
• Having sex with men (bisekseu; 비섹스)
• Marrying men (bihon; 비혼)
• Giving men childen (literal: ‘no giving birth’ – bichulsan; 비출산)

The movement also emphasises the need for a fourth wave of feminism – beyond the third wave’s focus on individuality and diversity.

It aims to address systemic issues through a broader, more inclusive lens:

Inclusive activism:

The 4B movement (unlike ‘white feminism’ or trans-exclusionary feminism) stresses the importance of embracing diversity within feminist ranks.

It recognises the unique challenges faced by women – including Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalised groups.

Systemic change:

Advocates of this feminist movement push for systemic changes rather than symbolic victories. This includes reforms in healthcare, workplace equality, and legal protections against discrimination.

And now, the 4B principles have found fertile ground in the US….

4B feminism’s rise in Trump’s America

There has been a significant spike in interest in the 4B movement among American women following Trump’s re-election.

Heck, one just has to open X…

The 4B concept is resonating with those who are disillusioned with ongoing gender discrimination and the rollback of women’s rights – the overturning of Roe v. Wade, for one, and the sexual assault allegations against Trump.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, you have teenage boys shouting “your body, my choice” to girls in school, emboldened by 26-year-old far-right commentator, Nick Fuentes, who oh so eloquently had this to say on election day:

Nick Fuentes, who Trump has met with since leaving office:

“Hey b*tch we control your bodies. Guess what, guys win again. Men win again. And yes, we control your bodies…there will never be a female president. Never. Ever.” pic.twitter.com/G0Iga3X8sw

— Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) November 8, 2024

As the 4B feminist movement gains traction in the US, it faces significant political and cultural resistance that echoes the challenges seen in South Korea.

This resistance becomes particularly evident when considering the legislative changes required to advance feminist policies.

There’s the political resistance. As Fuentes said, the men are in charge now. Trump supporters are proudly tweeting about “women’s sex strikes, like they have a choice”.

While some are saying, “they’ll be bred willingly or unwillingly, it’s their choice,” others are openly calling for rape.

I believe many, many American women aren’t safe. Not in public, not in their homes.

And unfortunately, I think the fight is still far from over. Because policies that could strengthen gender equality or dismantle systemic barriers will now find stiff opposition in politically conservative environments.

What the 4B movement could mean for the US

In South Korea, the 4B movement has been linked to the country’s plummeting birth rates. According to Salzburg Global, South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world – 0.72 births per person in 2023.

This leads to long-term economic and social challenges, such as a shrinking workforce and increased pressure on social services to support an ageing population.

It’s a cautionary tale for the US, with potential future demographic and economic impacts if the 4B movement gains more ground in the West.

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Disclaimer: To be very clear, I believe the 4B wave should 100% gain more ground in the West. I’ve believed this for years, since reading the novel that started it all (more below).

Will it have yucky impacts on economics and society? Yes. Will women be blamed for it (and not the men who forced their hand)? Of course. Will it hit the target hard, ie, the system that benefits from oppressing women? Also yes.

And I’m here for it.

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A decline in birth rates will lead to a tighter labour market. This could drive up wages but might also slow economic growth – due to the smaller workforce.

Fun fact: immigrants make up approximately 20% of the US workforce. Trump wants to deport them so that means an even smaller workforce.

Unless the wearers of the red MAGA caps are gonna start doing manual labour.

Trad-fam no more

It will definitely have a massive impact on conservative America’s traditional family model too. We’ll likely see a rise in alternative family structures or living arrangements.

Might not sound like a big deal, because there will always be supporters of the traditional model, right?

Wrong. It could still lead to changes in housing markets, urban planning, and community services, so there’s that.

As it stands now, the 4B movement isn’t just a trend anymore.

It’s a loud, clear voice in the ongoing conversation about gender equality. As it continues to sweep across the US, it is challenging us to think about autonomy, rights, and societal roles.

Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or giving it a side-eye, one thing’s for sure: it’s reshaping the contours of feminist activism in contemporary America.

How did 4B start?

The movement started on X (formerly Twitter) in South Korea. It was defined at the time as “the motto of radical feminism, which means ‘non-marriage, non-procreation, non-relationship, non-sex.'”

Another fun fact: It was inspired by Cho Nam-Joo’s novel Kim Ji-young, Born 1982, published in 2016.

The book was also made into a film in 2019, starring one of my favourite actors of all time – Gong Yoo. You might know him as the slappy-slappy dude from Squid Game.

It follows the story of Kim Jiyoung (Jung Yu-mi in the film adaptation) who becomes a stay-at-home mother and later suffers from depression. It sheds light on the everyday sexism the title character experiences.

What makes the book stand out (yes, I’ve read it), is that Kim Jiyoung seems to be impersonating other women she knows. She is, however, not aware of the changes in her behaviour.

Her husband Jung Daehyun (Gong Yoo) is concerned and she is taken in to get psychiatric help. But of course. Do read it and/or watch. It’s really good.

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If you’re still reading, here are two songs for you to enjoy.