“The 4B movement, originating in South Korea around 2019, symbolizes a feminist wave of resistance against the country’s patriarchal norms and pro-natalist policies. The acronym stands for “no marriage (bihon), no childbirth (bichulsan), no dating (biyeonae), and no sex (bisekseu),” highlighting a collective refusal to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations. This movement is a direct response to societal pressures that prioritize women’s roles as wives and mothers, often at the expense of their autonomy and career opportunities (Wikipedia).
Pros of the 4B Movement
Empowerment and Autonomy: The 4B movement empowers women to make choices about their lives independent of societal expectations. It offers a form of resistance against gender discrimination and the instrumentalization of women’s bodies, focusing on their rights to make decisions about marriage, childbirth, and relationships (Wikipedia).
Challenging Gender Norms: By opting out of traditional gender roles, participants in the 4B movement challenge the deep-rooted patriarchal system. This includes rejecting the beauty standards and consumerist practices that are often imposed on women in South Korea (Wikipedia).
Economic and Social Freedom: The movement provides women with the opportunity to focus on their careers, education, and personal growth without the added pressures of family responsibilities. This can lead to greater economic independence and fulfillment (Partners in Fire).
Cons of the 4B Movement
Demographic Crisis: South Korea is facing a significant demographic challenge, with the world’s lowest fertility rate. The movement, while not solely responsible, contributes to the declining birth rate, which can have long-term economic and societal impacts, such as a shrinking workforce and increased pressure on social welfare systems (Wikipedia).
Societal Division: The movement has the potential to deepen the gender divide, as it is seen by some as rejecting not just the patriarchal system but also men in general. This can lead to misunderstandings and polarizations within society (West 4B Movement.).
International Perception and Misinterpretation: The movement’s aims and scale have sometimes been misinterpreted or exaggerated in international discussions, leading to misconceptions about its impact and the extent of its adoption. Such misunderstandings can distort the global perspective on South Korea’s gender issues (Wikipedia).
The 4B movement’s spread to other countries, notably through the “West 4B Movement” in the United States, reflects a global resonance with its core principles. The Western iteration of the movement aligns closely with the original, advocating for no heterosexual marriage, childbirth, dating, or sexual relationships, aiming to create a space for women of all races and ethnicities to come together and flourish (West 4B Movement.).
As societies worldwide grapple with gender inequality and the balance between personal freedom and societal expectations, the 4B movement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the right to choose one’s path in life.
