The Rise of the Feminist 4B Celibacy Movement in the US Post-Trump’s Victory

The Origin and Spread of the 4B Movement

Following former President Donald Trump's win in the 2024 presidential election, the search interest in the feminist 4B movement surged on social media platforms. Originating in South Korea around 2019, the 4B movement advocates for women to abstain from dating, having sex with, and partnering with men.

The movement gained traction in the US, with Google searches for the 4B movement steadily increasing. Social media platforms also saw a surge in posts related to the movement, with some content going viral and garnering millions of views.

A Response to Low Birth Rates and Gender-Based Issues

The 4B movement was partly influenced by the #MeToo movement, where women spoke out against sexual misconduct. In South Korea, it serves as a response to gender-based issues like intimate-partner violence and pay gaps.

The movement, symbolized by four "no's" in Korean, stands against heterosexual marriage, childbirth, dating men, and heterosexual sex. It drew inspiration from the 2018 Escape the Corset campaign, challenging beauty standards and norms.

Online Celibacy Trends in the US

In the US, the buzz around the 4B movement resonates with the #celibacyjourney trend on platforms like TikTok. This trend, popular for over a year, features young women sharing their experiences of abstaining from sex with men, citing feelings of being undervalued.

The recent surge in interest in the US follows an election that highlighted gender roles, masculinity, and issues related to reproductive rights. Some individuals aligning with the 4B movement express frustration over political developments and past allegations against Trump.

Impact and Controversies

While the reach and impact of the 4B movement remain difficult to quantify, it has sparked conversations around women's autonomy and societal expectations. In South Korea, the movement has been met with both support and criticism, with President Yoon Suk Yeol attributing low birth rates to feminism.

As the movement continues to gain visibility, it underscores broader discussions on gender dynamics, relationships, and individual agency.

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By: jpugachevsky@businessinsider.com (Julia Pugachevsky)
Title: The Rise of the Feminist 4B Celibacy Movement in the US Post-Trump’s Victory
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/why-south-korea-4b-feminist-movement-trending-after-trump-victory-2024-11
Published Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:53:00 +0000