4B Movement Gains Attention Among American Women Protesters

Why in the news?

Interest in South Korea’s 4B movement surged among U.S. women post-Trump’s 2024 election win, as they use it to protest societal norms and gender-based issues.

What is the 4B Movement?

  • The 4B movement, originating in South Korea, promotes four principles: rejecting marriage (bihon), childbirth (bichulsan), romance (biyeonae), and sexual relationships (bisekseu) with men.
  • Established in 2016 as a response to patriarchal norms, it encourages women to distance themselves from traditional expectations in a heavily patriarchal society.

4B Movement Gains Attention Among American Women Protesters

Recent American Interest in the 4B Movement:

  • Interest in 4B has grown in the U.S. following Donald Trump’s 2024 election win; some American women share videos on social media renouncing relationships with men in protest.
  • Trump’s election, following his 2023 rape conviction, has fueled conversations on rejecting traditional male-female relationships as a form of protest.

Social Impact and Controversies:

  • 4B gained momentum in South Korea after violent incidents against women and inspired activism against issues like ‘spycam pornography’ and harassment, with notable feminist movements like #MeToo.
  • While it resonates with calls for respect and equality, critics argue 4B might alienate women desiring traditional relationships and may exclude transgender individuals.
  • Supporters view it as a platform for challenging societal expectations, though some critics believe real progress requires both men and women to confront harmful behaviours collaboratively.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times