The 4B Movement: Women's Radical Response to Patriarchy

Women's Bodies, Women's Choices - The 4B Revolution

“Korean women are resisting the threats of patriarchy in a quiet yet...”

Learn about the growing 4B movement, where women use abstinence as a form of activism to challenge patriarchal norms.

Christine Ivans recalls the challenging moment when she first made the decision to swear off men. At the age of 30, she chose to reassess her priorities and focus on personal growth. As she puts it, “What if she invested all of her energy into herself instead of into trying to find the 'right' man?”

The decision proved to be life-changing for Christine. After a few months, and then years, passed, she reflects on the positive outcomes. “I am happy. I got a promotion, a raise, and my mental health improved,” she says, looking back on the journey of nearly eight years.

Christine's journey took an interesting turn when she stumbled upon the 4B movement on TikTok a few years ago. It was then that she realized she was not alone in her choices. As she explains, “The four 'no's' are: no marriage, no children, no dates or sexual relationships with men – all of which I have been practicing for a while.”

The 4B movement, which originated in South Korea in the mid-2010s, has gradually gained traction on American social media platforms. The movement's principles of abstaining from marriage, childbearing, dating, and sex with men have resonated with many women worldwide.

US actress Julia Fox recently declared her abstinence in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that established the constitutional right to abortion in the US. In a May episode of the Zach Sang Show podcast, Fox stated, “I felt like if they were going to take away the rights to our bodies, this is my way of taking them back.”

The 4B movement gained significant momentum after the November US elections, with Google searches reaching half a million within the first five days. On TikTok, thousands of women have shared their abstinence journeys, with some even shaving their heads on camera – a symbol of distinction among 4B activists.

Mingyeong Lee, a feminist South Korean author and founding member of the 4B movement, is thrilled to see the movement's sudden surge in popularity. In an interview with DW, Lee expressed, “I have been waiting for this to happen. It took eight years to reach you guys.” Lee also drew parallels between the struggles for women's rights in the US and South Korea.

Mingyeong Lee, a prominent South Korean feminist author, has been an integral part of the 4B movement since its inception. Reflecting on the movement's early days, Lee recounts, “Eight years ago, we found out that our friends, fathers, or others close to us, didn't share our perspective on gender issues.”

The catalyst for this realization was the shocking Gagnam Station femicide, which occurred in a Seoul karaoke bar restroom. A man brutally murdered a woman, later testifying that his motive was her lifelong disregard for him. This heinous crime sparked a new wave of feminism in South Korea, driven by young women who took to the streets and social media to denounce the country's deeply ingrained misogyny problem.

The 4B movement is indeed a radical response to the patriarchal norms and gender-based violence that women face. Originating in South Korea, the movement's core principles - no marriage, no childbirth, no dating, and no sex with men - are a direct challenge to the societal expectations placed on women.

In South Korea, the movement is seen as a reaction to the country's deeply ingrained patriarchal culture, which perpetuates gender-based violence, discrimination, and misogyny. The statistics are alarming, with South Korea having one of the lowest birth rates in the world, and a significant gender pay gap.

The 4B movement has gained international attention, particularly in the US, where some women are drawn to its principles as a form of protest against patriarchal norms and gender-based violence. The movement's popularity has been fueled by the recent US presidential election and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that the 4B movement is not without controversy. Some critics argue that the movement's radical approach can be alienating and exclusionary, particularly for women who do not identify with its principles. Additionally, there have been concerns raised about transphobia and homophobia within the movement.

Despite these criticisms, the 4B movement remains a significant phenomenon that highlights the need for greater gender equality and challenges patriarchal norms. As the movement continues to evolve, it's crucial to engage in nuanced discussions about its principles and implications.

“Korean women are resisting the threats of patriarchy in a quiet yet highly effective way,” she tells DW.

Mingyeong Lee, a 32-year-old South Korean author, has made a conscious decision not to have children. Born in a time when female fetuses were often aborted in favor of male children, Lee's choice is a powerful statement against the societal pressures that have long dictated women's roles in South Korean society.

In an effort to counter sex-selective abortion and boost the country's birth rate, South Korea introduced a law in 1987 banning gender reveal. However, despite these efforts, South Korea now has the lowest birth rate in the world. Interestingly, President Yoon Suk-Yeol attributes this decline to feminism, a claim that has sparked widespread debate.

Lee's decision is reflective of a growing movement in South Korea, where women are resisting traditional expectations and refusing to be treated as mere “reproduction machines.” This shift is driven, in part, by the country's deep-seated patriarchal culture, which perpetuates gender-based violence, discrimination, and misogyny.

The consequences of this culture are far-reaching. Women in South Korea face significant barriers in the workplace, including discrimination, harassment, and a persistent gender pay gap. These challenges are exacerbated by a lack of support for working mothers, including inadequate childcare options and unpaid parental leave.

In response to these issues, the 4B movement has emerged, advocating for women's rights and autonomy. The movement's four core principles – no marriage, no childbirth, no dating, and no sex – are a direct challenge to the patriarchal norms that have long governed South Korean society.

Korean women face significant challenges, including the highest gender-pay gap among OECD countries and shouldering most of the care work, according to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. This harsh reality has led many women, like Mingyeong, to reconsider having children. As Mingyeong puts it, “This is a cruel place for women... If we give birth to girls, they'll be neither safe nor happy.”

Christine Ivans, a woman living in Seattle, Washington, shares similar concerns. She has chosen not to have children, citing the lack of support for women's rights among the men in her life. This sentiment is echoed by many women who feel that their rights and well-being are not being prioritized.

The recent US presidential election has also highlighted the divide on women's issues. According to a Pew Research Center survey, voters who supported Trump were less likely to prioritize issues like abortion and racial inequality, which are crucial to many women. This has led to concerns among women like Christine, who feel that their rights are being eroded.

The intersection of gender and politics is complex, and the experiences of women like Mingyeong and Christine highlight the need for greater support and prioritization of women's rights. As the conversation around gender equality continues to evolve, it's essential to listen to the voices and concerns of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Christine's father is a paradox - despite almost losing his wife to a high-risk pregnancy, he voted for Donald Trump. This decision is particularly puzzling given Trump's stance on abortion. During his first term in office, Trump nominated three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe, a landmark decision that protected women's right to abortion. Trump even went so far as to call the ensuing restrictions on abortion “a beautiful thing to watch.”

Christine's family has a history of high-risk pregnancies, making her father's decision even more personal and alarming. The thought of becoming pregnant without access to safe abortion terrifies Christine. She recalls her father saying, "My father says he cares about women's rights. But when it comes to voting, he says, “there are more important things.” This statement highlights the disconnect between her father's words and actions, leaving Christine feeling frustrated and concerned.

The 4B movement is indeed a radical response to the patriarchal norms and gender-based violence that women face. Originating in South Korea, the movement's core principles - no marriage, no childbirth, no dating, and no sex with men - are a direct challenge to the societal expectations placed on women.

Seohee reflects on the parallels between the experiences of women in the US and South Korea. She recalls the narrow election of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who ran on an anti-feminist campaign promising to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. This event resonated deeply with Seohee, and she wonders if women in the US are facing similar challenges.

Seohee is not surprised that women in the US who use abstinence as a form of protest for abortion rights are facing pushback. Unfortunately, she is all too familiar with these kinds of attacks from her home country. In South Korea, many women are reluctant to identify as feminists due to the stigma and backlash they may face. Seohee shares her own experience, saying, “After all, I am a feminist whom men loathe and detest.”