Following Donald Trump’s re-election victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, a wave of disappointment and frustration is sweeping across the United States. Many liberal women are feeling a profound sense of disenfranchisement, particularly given that Trump’s previous administration oversaw the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who played a pivotal role in overturning national abortion protections. Now, a growing number of American women are discussing a new form of resistance: the 4B movement, a South Korean feminist initiative that advocates for complete disengagement from traditional relationships with men.

The Rise of the 4B Movement in South Korea
The 4B movement, short for “bi-hon, bi-chul, bi-yunae, bi-seong,” translates to “no marriage, no childbearing, no dating, and no heterosexual sex.” This movement emerged in South Korea as a response to a culture that many women felt was stifling and patriarchal, placing significant social pressure on women to marry and have children while subjecting them to gender discrimination in various facets of life. Over time, 4B has expanded into a full-fledged cultural movement that encourages women to establish their own financial independence and seek self-fulfillment outside of romantic relationships with men.

A Groundswell of Interest in the U.S.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, liberal women in the U.S. are discussing and sharing information about 4B, resonating with the idea of disengaging from traditional social structures they feel have left them marginalized. Many of these women say they are disillusioned after witnessing what they perceive as widespread apathy toward issues of gender equality. Some of the most vocal online voices are expressing dismay that a significant portion of male voters supported a candidate with a track record that includes allegations of sexual misconduct and policies many view as regressive for women’s rights.

For these women, Trump’s re-election feels like a culmination of a persistent pattern, reinforcing the perception that traditional institutions and relationships with men can be sources of disenfranchisement rather than empowerment.

Reflections from Female Voters
Following Trump’s win, several young women took to social media to express their concerns. “If our partners and brothers don’t even see what’s at stake for us, what kind of future can we build together?” one user posted. Another stated, “4B is about taking back control of our lives. We don’t need to tie our futures to a system that’s not working for us.”

For some, the movement is less about abandoning all ties with men and more about taking a critical look at where these relationships stand in a changing world. There’s also a call among these women for more autonomy, both financially and personally, suggesting a move toward independence rather than necessarily an outright rejection of relationships with men.

Challenges and Cultural Nuances
While the 4B movement has garnered significant interest among American women, experts note that cultural differences between South Korea and the U.S. might pose some challenges. South Korea’s 4B movement grew out of specific social pressures related to marriage and family expectations, while American women may experience these pressures differently. However, the underlying sentiment—that a patriarchal system often fails to represent or support women—is strikingly similar.

Looking Forward
The discussions around the 4B movement underscore a broader sentiment of frustration and a desire for change, particularly among young liberal women in the U.S. Many are looking to the movement as an example of how to challenge societal norms actively, choosing to set boundaries and redefine their futures on their own terms.

In the wake of Trump’s re-election, the path forward for these women remains uncertain. As these conversations continue to unfold, the 4B movement’s influence may well inspire new forms of resistance and self-determination among American women questioning their roles in society and their relationships with men.