The victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has unleashed a profound wave of discontent, particularly among American women who are expressing their frustration in ways that are reshaping public discourse. For many of these women, Trump's win is not just a political disappointment but a personal affront, with some seeing it as a direct attack on their rights, freedoms, and well-being. This has led to the rise of the 4B movement, which has gained traction among women in the U.S. as a radical form of protest. The movement, which originated in South Korea, advocates for women’s rejection of traditional relationships, including marriage, sex, and childbirth, as a statement of resistance to a society they feel has failed to protect their rights and interests.
The 4B movement, which uses the shorthand "B" for "no" (the Korean word for "no"), has become a symbol of female liberation, particularly in societies where women feel marginalized and oppressed by gender norms and political systems. Initially popularized in South Korea, the movement quickly gained momentum as women rejected the expectations placed upon them in a society dominated by strict gender roles. In South Korea, it followed on the heels of the MeToo movement and the "escape the corset" movement, which both challenged the rigid beauty standards and societal pressures that women face. Critics of the 4B movement in South Korea argue that it undermines healthy relationships and is counterproductive, but for many women, it has become a powerful declaration of autonomy.
In the U.S., the 4B movement has taken on new significance in the aftermath of Trump’s victory. Many women who had hoped for a victory by Kamala Harris, believing that her leadership would advance reproductive rights and protect gender equality, now feel betrayed by the election results. The movement has taken hold in a variety of ways, from social media campaigns to in-person protests. It is not just about rejecting men, but rather rejecting a political and societal system that they feel has consistently overlooked women’s needs and aspirations. The 4B movement represents a visceral response to what is perceived as a failure of the government and male-dominated systems to safeguard women’s rights and freedoms.
The 4B movement in the U.S. is also a reaction to the broader political climate, one that has often pitted women’s rights against the conservative agenda led by Trump and his supporters. As one participant in the movement explained, the 4B movement is fundamentally about "female liberation" and the protection of reproductive rights, which many women feel are under constant threat from a patriarchal system. The movement emphasizes the agency that women can exert over their own bodies, making it clear that they are not beholden to men for their worth or value. By refusing to engage in relationships, sex, or marriage, women participating in the 4B movement are making a powerful statement about their independence and their rejection of a system that has ignored their needs.
For many of the women involved, this form of protest is not just symbolic but is rooted in a deep sense of betrayal. “After this election — where women were pretty much told to their faces that no one gives a shit about them — don’t forget, ladies, we do have power,” one participant declared. “And you know the kind of power I’m talking about. Giving up our bodies to men is a choice. We don’t have to do this.” This statement reflects the deep sense of anger and frustration felt by many women who view Trump’s victory as part of a broader disregard for their rights, particularly reproductive rights.
However, not everyone supports the movement, and there is significant criticism, especially from men and some women who believe the 4B movement is an empty gesture that won't have a lasting impact. One critic on social media argued, "Not a single guy is losing sleep over you not wanting to sleep with them," dismissing the movement as ineffective. Others, particularly those who view the 4B movement as part of a broader narrative of female empowerment, believe that it represents a fantasy where women hold the power and must be "won" by men who prove themselves worthy of their attention.
In South Korea, the 4B movement was fueled by similar frustrations with gender inequality, including the treatment of women during the MERS epidemic, where two women were falsely accused of spreading the virus. These events, coupled with the imprisonment of a woman for photographing a nude male model during an art class, ignited protests and gave birth to the 4B movement. In the U.S., the movement is seen as an extension of the battles of the sexes that were so prominent during the Trump vs. Harris campaign, with women feeling that their voices were drowned out by male voters and conservative politics.
While the 4B movement in South Korea initially had a more localized focus, its reach has expanded globally, with countries like the U.S. now grappling with similar issues related to gender inequality, reproductive rights, and the role of women in society. In South Korea, the 4B movement has about 4,000 followers, but its impact on the nation’s declining birth rate has been noticeable. As women in both countries continue to push back against the traditional expectations placed on them, the 4B movement serves as a reminder of the power women have when they decide to challenge the systems that have long kept them in subservient roles.
The future of the 4B movement in the U.S. remains uncertain, but its rapid growth and widespread attention signal a new phase in feminist activism. It represents a radical shift in how women are choosing to resist, using their bodies and their autonomy as tools for social change. How far this movement will go in reshaping American society is still to be seen, but what is certain is that it is emblematic of the deepening divide between conservative and progressive ideologies, and the increasing role women are playing in determining the direction of their own lives.
As the 4B movement continues to gain momentum, it may inspire even more women to reevaluate their relationship with the political system and the men they see as complicit in maintaining it. The impact of this movement could be felt not only in the realm of gender politics but also in the broader social and cultural shifts that are taking place in response to a growing sense of female empowerment and resistance. The 4B movement is more than just a protest against one election outcome — it is a broader call for women to take control of their destinies, reclaim their power, and demand that their voices be heard.
