4B Movement is a radical feminist movement that originated in South Korea in the mid-to-late 2010s. The term “4B” stands for four Korean words beginning with “bi” (meaning “no”): bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisekseu (no sex). The movement advocates for women to reject traditional heterosexual relationships and family structures as a form of resistance against systemic misogyny and patriarchal norms.
4B Movement
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| Definition | Radical feminist movement rejecting marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men |
| Common Labels | 4B, Four Nos, Bi-hon movement |
| Category | Feminist Movements, Gender Studies |
| Related Terms | Escape the Corset, MeToo, Sampo generation, 6B4T movement |
| Implications | Challenges to traditional family structures, impact on fertility rates, discourse on women’s rights |
| Academic Fields | Sociology, Women’s Studies, Cultural Studies |
| Controversies | Accusations of misandry, trans-exclusionary practices, societal backlash |
| Sources: Al Jazeera; The Guardian | |
Definition
The 4B Movement is a South Korean feminist initiative that encourages women to abstain from heterosexual marriage, childbirth, dating, and sexual relationships with men. This abstention is a form of protest against entrenched gender inequalities, societal expectations, and systemic misogyny prevalent in South Korean society.
Other Names
Four Nos Movement, Bi-hon Movement, 4B Feminism, 4B theory, 4-beop (4법), 4B 운동 (4B undong), the 4 No’s movement, Korean radical abstinence movement, 4B拒女运动 (Chinese term), 비혼비출산비섹스비연애 운동 (Korean full term)
History
Origins (2015-2018)
The 4B Movement began as an offshoot of South Korea’s radical feminist wave in the mid-2010s. Emerging from online communities like Megalia and Womad, the movement crystallized around 2018 as young women sought more extreme responses to the country’s entrenched gender inequality and high rates of gender-based violence.
Formation of the 4B Principles (2019)
In 2019, the movement formally adopted the four main tenets represented by the “4B” name (from the Korean “4-beop” or “4 no’s”): 1) No dating men (Bihon), 2) No sex with men (Bisekseu), 3) No marriage to men (Bichulsan), and 4) No child-rearing with men (Biseron). These principles represented a complete rejection of traditional gender roles.
Online Organizing and Growth (2019-2020)
The movement gained traction through private online communities where members shared strategies for avoiding relationships with men, discussed feminist theory, and organized protests. Membership estimates ranged from 3,000-5,000 active participants during this period, with many more sympathizers.
Public Backlash and Controversy (2020-2021)
As the movement became more visible, it faced significant backlash from conservative groups and some mainstream feminists who criticized its radical approach. The movement was accused of misandry, particularly after some members celebrated South Korea’s declining birth rate – the lowest in the world.
International Attention (2021-Present)
By 2021, the 4B Movement began receiving international media coverage as an extreme example of feminist resistance to patriarchy. While remaining relatively small in numbers, the movement has influenced broader conversations about gender relations in South Korea and inspired similar movements in other East Asian countries.
Current Status
Today, the 4B Movement continues as a radical fringe element of South Korea’s feminist landscape. While not all members adhere strictly to all four principles, the movement persists as both a personal lifestyle choice for some women and a political statement about gender inequality in Korean society.
Sociological Dimensions
Gender Inequality and Patriarchy
South Korea has faced criticism for its significant gender pay gap and societal expectations placed on women. The 4B Movement addresses these issues by rejecting traditional roles and advocating for women’s autonomy.
Impact on Fertility Rates
South Korea’s fertility rate has been declining, reaching a record low of 0.72 in 2023. While the 4B Movement is not the sole cause, its advocacy for childlessness contributes to discussions on demographic challenges and societal expectations of women.
Backlash and Controversy
The movement has faced criticism for its radical stance, with some accusing it of promoting misandry. Additionally, associations with trans-exclusionary practices have sparked debates within feminist circles about inclusivity and the movement’s direction.
Cultural Impact
Media Representation
The 4B Movement has been covered in various media outlets, highlighting its role in challenging traditional gender norms and sparking conversations about women’s rights in South Korea and beyond.
Influence on Feminist Discourse
By taking a radical approach, the 4B Movement has influenced broader feminist discussions, encouraging debates on the effectiveness of separatist strategies versus inclusive reforms in achieving gender equality.
Key Debates
Effectiveness of Radical Feminism
While the 4B Movement brings attention to systemic issues, critics question whether its separatist approach effectively addresses the root causes of gender inequality or alienates potential allies.
Inclusivity and Intersectionality
The movement’s perceived exclusion of transgender individuals and its focus on cisgender women’s experiences have raised concerns about the need for more inclusive and intersectional feminist practices.
Research Landscape
- Studies on the movement’s impact on South Korea’s demographic trends and societal structures.
- Analyses of online feminist activism and the role of digital platforms in spreading radical feminist ideas.
- Comparative research on feminist movements globally and the unique challenges faced in different cultural contexts.
FAQs
What does the 4B Movement stand for?
It represents a commitment to four “no’s”: no marriage, no childbirth, no dating, and no sex with men, as a protest against patriarchal societal structures.
Why did the 4B Movement start in South Korea?
It emerged in response to systemic gender inequalities, societal expectations, and incidents of misogyny, aiming to empower women to reject traditional roles.
Has the 4B Movement spread beyond South Korea?
Yes, particularly after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, it gained attention among American women concerned about reproductive rights and gender equality.
Is the 4B Movement inclusive of all women?
The movement has faced criticism for perceived exclusion of transgender individuals and for promoting a separatist approach, leading to debates about its inclusivity.
What impact has the 4B Movement had on South Korean society?
It has sparked national and international conversations about gender roles, women’s rights, and the effectiveness of radical feminist strategies in challenging patriarchal systems.
