A feminist movement is gaining momentum in the United States, inspired by a similar movement in South Korea known as the 4B movement. The 4B movement originated in South Korea as a response to the widespread violence against women and inequality in society. The movement advocates for four principles that start with “bi”, meaning “no” in Korean: Bihon (no heterosexual marriage), Bichulsan (no childbirth), Biyeonae (no dating), and Bisekseu (no heterosexual sexual relationships).
In South Korea, the movement emerged due to the high levels of male violence and economic disparities between men and women. Women in South Korea are often burdened with the majority of childcare and household responsibilities while also facing gender pay gaps. As a result, many women are choosing to forgo marriage and children, leading to a declining birthrate in the country.
In the United States, the 4B movement gained traction following former President Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election. Young women in the US, disappointed by the election results and Trump’s attitude towards women, have taken to social media to support the 4B movement. The movement has been particularly appealing to women who feel that their bodily autonomy is not being respected by male politicians.
The US election also highlighted the ongoing debate over women’s rights, particularly the right to abortion. With the overturning of the landmark Roe v Wade ruling, the issue of abortion became a central point of contention in the election. Democrats campaigned on the promise of protecting women’s rights, but the election results showed that economic issues were more decisive for voters.
As Trump’s administration takes power, there are concerns among women’s rights groups that he may push for federal abortion bans and restrictions on reproductive rights. Trump’s history of making disparaging comments about women and facing sexual abuse allegations has further fueled women’s anger and mobilization in support of movements like the 4B movement.