Perhaps you have already heard of Movement 4B ? A radical feminist movement, which finds its source in South Korea in the 2010s and which advocates the rejection of patriarchy and by extension, men. In recent years, the 4B Movement has gradually crossed Korean borders to find an echo in the West where, since the MeToo movement, feminism has regained color. In the United States in particular, while the recent election of Donald Trump is causing concern, groups claiming to be part of the 4B movement are emerging here and there.
What does the name “4B” mean?
In France, it could be translated as the 4 No Movement. In Korean, each principle begins with “bi”, meaning “no”. He advocates the rejection of four aspects of traditional life in relation to men:
- No dating men (beyond)
- No sex with men (bisexual)
- No heterosexual marriage (beef)
- No procreation (bichulsan)
A movement that is in reaction to the particularly patriarchal and misogynistic culture in South Korea, where women face gender inequality, gender-based violence and intense social pressure regarding marriage and motherhood. The 4B movement calls for a break with misogyny that is deeply rooted in society by renouncing the conventions of the couple and the family.
4B movement in the United States: the Trump effect
The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States on November 5, 2024 gave new visibility to the 4B movement. For many American women, this victory was seen as a symbol of regression in women's rights, particularly on subjects such as abortion and the right to control one's body. The new president of the United States and the men who make up his close entourage and supporters are also seen as a certain embodiment of toxic masculinity.
Concerns that women have taken up on social networks. On TikTok and Instagram, discussions connected women, who chose to turn to the principles of 4B to express their discontent with institutionalized misogyny and claim their independence. This phenomenon highlights the global impact of feminist struggles.
Criticisms and limits of the 4B Movement
If the 4B Movement remains marginal, despite a recent revival of interest, This is because it is considered too radical. It is notably criticized for being exclusive and/or not representative of the concerns of the majority of women. Furthermore, some consider that this approach, by rejecting any form of cooperation with men, could harm collective progress in the fight for gender equality and therefore be counterproductive.
