The 4B movement – a term that has increasingly permeated global feminist discourse – represents a radical and profoundly impactful rejection of traditional heterosexual relationships and patriarchal societal structures. Originating in South Korea, this “Four Nos” movement, whose tenets all begin with the Korean term ‘bi’ (비) meaning “no,” has gained significant traction, particularly among young women seeking autonomy and liberation from what they perceive as oppressive gender expectations. This article will delve into the origins, core principles, motivations, and societal implications of the 4B movement, exploring how it challenges long-standing norms and its evolving presence in contemporary feminism, especially amidst recent global political shifts.
Genesis in South Korea: A Response to Deep-Seated Misogyny
The 4B movement did not emerge in a vacuum but rather as a potent response to deeply entrenched misogyny and gender inequality prevalent in South Korean society. Its roots can be traced back to around 2015, gaining significant momentum in 2017-2018 following a highly publicised 2016 murder of a woman by a man, who claimed he acted because women had ignored him. This horrific incident, combined with a widespread ‘spycam epidemic’ where women were secretly filmed in private spaces, and the nation’s severe gender pay gap (the largest among OECD countries for decades), created a fertile ground for radical feminist thought.
Before 4B, South Korea saw the rise of online feminist communities like ‘Megalia’ and the ‘Escape the Corset’ movement, which encouraged women to reject stringent beauty standards, cut their hair short, and embrace androgynous styles as acts of defiance. The 4B movement built upon this foundation, taking a more extreme stance by advocating for a complete withdrawal from heterosexual relationships as a form of protest and self-preservation. For many proponents, it became a practical survival strategy in a society where gender-based violence and discrimination were alarmingly commonplace, and a woman’s worth was often tied to fulfilling instrumentalised gender roles.
The Four Pillars of 4B: A Definitive Boycott
At its core, the 4B movement is defined by its four key tenets, each beginning with ‘bi’ (비):
Bihon
No marriage with men. This tenet rejects the institution of heterosexual marriage, viewed as a patriarchal structure that often leads to an unequal distribution of domestic labour, financial dependency, and a loss of personal autonomy for women.
Bichulsan
No childbirth. This principle is a refusal to bear children, often seen as a direct challenge to societal pressure on women to reproduce and contribute to a system that, in their view, devalues them outside of their reproductive capacity. It’s a refusal to bring children into a patriarchal world.
Biyeonae (비연애)
No dating men. This involves abstaining from romantic relationships with men, recognising dating culture as potentially exploitative and draining for women, often riddled with gendered expectations and power imbalances.
Bisekseu
No sex with men. This final tenet advocates for the rejection of heterosexual sexual relationships, seen by proponents as a way to reclaim bodily autonomy and avoid the risks of sexual violence and objectification.
Together, these “Four Nos” constitute a comprehensive boycott, a radical act of resistance aimed at dismantling patriarchal control by withdrawing women’s labour, emotional energy, and reproductive capacity from the system. It is a direct challenge to the societal expectation that women are incomplete without men, asserting their personhood independently.
Spreading Beyond Korea: A Global Phenomenon
While rooted in the specific socio-political context of South Korea, the 4B movement has recently garnered significant international attention, particularly in Western countries. The catalysts for its spread beyond Korea have been diverse, but a notable surge in interest occurred following the November 2024 US Presidential election. The re-election of Donald Trump, coupled with concerns over women’s reproductive rights and a perceived rise in misogynistic rhetoric, resonated deeply with many women, prompting discussions on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) about adopting the 4B principles.
For American women, the movement has been pitched as a means to assert bodily autonomy, make their voices heard, and “bite back” against a political climate perceived as hostile to women’s rights. The viral trend of “Boy Sober” on TikTok, promoting female independence through abstaining from romantic and sexual relationships with men, illustrates a similar underlying sentiment, albeit often framed as a temporary lifestyle choice rather than a radical feminist boycott. The 4B movement, in this context, has become a symbol of profound disillusionment and a call for collective action, even if its adoption in different cultural contexts varies in its depth and adherence to the original tenets.
Impact and Implications: Challenging Societal Structures
The 4B movement, despite being considered a fringe movement by some, has had tangible impacts, particularly in South Korea. It has been explicitly linked to the nation’s plummeting fertility rate, which reached a record low of 0.72 in 2023, significantly below the 2.1 threshold required to maintain a country’s population. While economic insecurity, high childcare costs, and demanding work cultures also contribute to this decline, the conscious decision by many women to opt out of marriage and childbirth as a form of protest undeniably plays a role. This demographic crisis has become a major concern for the South Korean government, which has, in some instances, even blamed feminist movements for the low birth rate.
Beyond demographics, the 4B movement has sparked crucial conversations about gender roles, autonomy, and the future of societal structures. It challenges the romanticisation of heterosexual relationships and forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes a fulfilling life for women outside of traditional expectations. It fosters discussions around female solidarity, financial independence, and the creation of safe, women-centred communities, both online and offline.
Criticisms and Controversies: Navigating a Polarising Path
Naturally, a movement as radical as 4B faces considerable criticism and controversy. Critics often argue that it promotes misandry or “man-hating,” inciting gender conflict rather than promoting equality. Some express concern that it alienates potential allies, including men who support feminist ideals, and that its extreme nature could further divide communities at a time when intersectional solidarity is crucial. Concerns have also been raised regarding its applicability in different cultural contexts, with some arguing that the specific patriarchal conditions in South Korea are not directly comparable to those in other countries.
There have also been discussions about the purity of the movement’s ideology, particularly as it spreads globally. Some fear that it can be misinterpreted or diluted, losing its core political and anti-patriarchal aims and becoming merely a personal choice to avoid relationships, rather than a collective act of resistance. Furthermore, some critics within the broader feminist movement argue that 4B is not intersectional enough, potentially overlooking the unique struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals, women of colour, or those in existing heterosexual relationships who are also fighting for equality. The movement has also been associated with some controversial online communities, raising questions about its broader alignment and potential for exclusion.
Latest Trends: Evolution and Adaptation in 2024-2025
As of late 2024 and early 2025, the 4B movement continues to evolve and adapt. A notable trend is the emergence of what some call 6B, which incorporates two additional principles:
Not consuming misogynistic products or media.
Not engaging with men who do not deserve a response (i.e., disengaging from unproductive arguments or interactions with misogynistic individuals).
This expansion reflects a growing emphasis on broader ethical consumption and a more refined approach to disengagement from patriarchal influence. The movement’s presence on social media remains strong, with a consistent flow of discussions, testimonials, and infographics. The ‘bear vs. man’ trend on TikTok, where women humorously (but pointedly) choose to be stuck with a bear over a man in a wilderness scenario, implicitly echoes 4B sentiments by highlighting a perceived lack of safety and trustworthiness in men.
The ongoing legal battles and political discourse surrounding women’s reproductive rights, particularly in the US and other Western nations, continue to fuel interest in the 4B movement. It remains a powerful symbol for women who feel increasingly disenfranchised and are seeking radical ways to reclaim agency. While it may not represent the majority of feminist thought, its continued virality and the depth of its core message ensure its relevance in the ongoing global conversation about gender equality and women’s liberation.
FAQs
What are the four main principles of the 4B movement?
The four main principles of the 4B movement are: Bihon (no marriage with men), Bichulsan (no childbirth), Biyeonae (no dating men), and Bisekseu (no sex with men).
Where did the 4B movement originate?
The 4B movement originated in South Korea, emerging around 2015-2017 as a radical feminist response to deep-seated misogyny, gender-based violence, and significant gender inequality in the country.
Has the 4B movement spread beyond South Korea?
Yes, the 4B movement has gained significant international attention, particularly in Western countries like the United States, especially following recent political events and heightened discussions around women’s rights.
What impact has the 4B movement had on South Korea’s birth rate?
The 4B movement is often linked to South Korea’s record-low fertility rate, as a conscious choice by some women to opt out of marriage and childbirth contributes to the declining population figures.
What are some common criticisms of the 4B movement?
Common criticisms include arguments that it promotes misandry, incites gender conflict, and is too extreme or exclusionary. Some also question its applicability to diverse cultural contexts and its potential to alienate broader feminist solidarity.
Final Thought
The 4B movement stands as a stark and uncompromising declaration of female autonomy in the face of persistent patriarchal structures. Born from the crucible of severe gender inequality in South Korea, its call to reject marriage, childbirth, dating, and heterosexual sex offers a radical pathway for women to reclaim their lives and bodies. While its tenets may be polarising and its efficacy debated, its emergence and subsequent global spread underscore a profound dissatisfaction among many women worldwide with the status quo. The 4B movement serves as a potent reminder that when traditional avenues for change seem inadequate, radical solutions can emerge, compelling societies to confront uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics and the fundamental struggle for genuine equality.
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