What is the 4B Movement, the radical feminist movement that is spreading on social media after Trump’s election

The 4B Movementoriginally born in South Korea, found new attention in the United States following the re-election of Donald Trump as president. This movement radical feminist is based on four main wastesindicated by Korean words starting with “bi”: no sexual relations with men (bisekseu), no weddings (bihon), no appointments (biyeonae) and no children (bichulsan).

Born in response to the strong Korean social and governmental pressure towards the birth rate, the movement represents a reaction against one culture perceived as patriarchal and misogynisticcharacterized by high rates of gender violence and wage inequality.

In the United States, the movement has gained traction through platforms like TikTok and Twitter, especially after the 2024 election, which saw Trump triumph with 55% of the male vote. This result fueled the frustration of many womenalready affected by the former president’s policies, including the reversal of Roe v. Wade of 2022, which guaranteed the right to abortion. Trump has also been accused of numerous cases of sexual harassment, events that, for many of these women, make his return to the White House unacceptable.

There is no shortage of criticism of the 4B Movement

The women who join the 4B Movement see this philosophy a form of resistance against a system perceived as oppressive. While the movement may seem extreme, it has been described as a necessary reaction to address the ineffectiveness of institutions in protecting gender rights. It’s not just about rejecting romantic relationships with men, but a real one separatismwhich includes distancing yourself from male friends and a boycott of traditional social norms.

This approach is reminiscent of other forms of radical feminism, such as the separatism of the 60s and 70s and the movements for women’s autonomybut it also raised criticism. Some academics warn that the movement could exacerbate male resentment and reinforce misogynyas many men perceive changing gender roles as a threat to their identity.

Despite its divisive implications, the 4B Movement serves as a catalyst for a broader debate about the need for a radical change in societyhighlighting persistent structural shortcomings in gender policies and the urgency of redefining social expectations for women.