The Rise of the ‘4B’ Movement: Why Interest is Surging After Trump’s 2024 Win
With Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President, a movement rooted in women’s autonomy has gained significant traction online. Known as the ‘4B’ movement, this trend originated in South Korea and advocates for women opting out of traditional relationships with men. Here’s a breakdown of what the movement represents and why it’s seeing renewed interest.
What is the ‘4B’ Movement?
The ‘4B’ movement stands for four key rejections for women:
- No Dating Men
- No Marriage
- No Children
- No Sex with Men
Origins: The movement began in South Korea in 2019 as a response to conservative policies and gender inequality, initially popularized as a protest against societal expectations that many women found restrictive. In Korean, each of these rejections begins with the prefix “bi,” meaning “no.”
Purpose: Supporters view the movement as a means of opting out of patriarchal systems that they believe unfairly benefit men. As Notre Dame professor Nicole Dular explains, it’s seen as a “labor strike” against gendered expectations, allowing women to prioritize personal autonomy.
Why the Surge in the U.S. After Trump’s Win?
Trump’s victory has intensified discussions around gender issues, especially given his administration’s stance on reproductive rights and the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. This has led to:
- Concern Over Women’s Rights: With abortion rights heavily restricted in many states, many women feel that the U.S. is moving in a direction that limits their choices.
- Response to Trump’s Track Record: Accusations of sexual misconduct and past comments have fueled distrust, especially among women who view his policies as undermining gender equality.
Social Media: The New Protest Platform
Following Trump’s win, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have seen a spike in posts encouraging American women to adopt the 4B philosophy, with messages such as:
- “It’s time to learn from Korean women and adopt the 4B movement.”
- “Ladies, a life without traditional gender expectations might be the strongest protest.”
Global Feminist Resonance
The 4B movement’s spread to the U.S. underscores a growing, global resistance to perceived gender inequities. For many, embracing the 4B principles is a way to demand respect and independence while rejecting societal pressures that feel outdated.
In Summary: The 4B movement’s rise after Trump’s re-election signals a response to ongoing concerns over women’s rights and gender equality. By choosing not to engage in traditional relationships, supporters aim to redefine autonomy and create a powerful statement on independence and self-reliance.
Disclaimer: The analysis provided above represents an interpretation of Donald Trump’s past and potential future policies based on available information. This summary does not reflect endorsement or opposition and should be viewed as a neutral assessment for informational purposes only.