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Here's why some women say they will abstain from sex for the next four years.
WASHINGTON — With Trump poised for another term, some women are rethinking the path laid out for them—rejecting age-old expectations of marriage and motherhood in favor of a future they control.
Enter the "4B" Movement.
It is a social movement advocating for women to avoid marriage, reproduction, dating, and even close friendships with men. Originating in South Korea as an anti-patriarchal stance, it has recently gained traction in the U.S. following Donald Trump's reelection, with many women drawn to the 4B principles in reaction to social and political trends they view as regressive.
The movement argues that mainstream expectations regarding relationships often put women in subordinate roles, both in their personal and professional lives. By rejecting traditional relationships with men, proponents of the 4B Movement aim to empower women to prioritize their own needs, independence, and well-being without societal pressure to conform to conventional gender roles.
What are the four "Bs"?
The "4Bs" refer to four distinct principles:
- No marriage (Bihon): Advocates believe marriage often limits a woman's independence, as it traditionally assigns her the role of caregiver and homemaker.
- No childbearing (Bichulsan): This principle opposes the societal expectation for women to bear and raise children, arguing that motherhood can trap women in lifelong caregiving roles.
- No dating (Biyonae): The 4B Movement views dating as reinforcing male-centered dating norms and pressures that can compromise a woman's autonomy and emotional well-being.
- No close relationships with men (Biyeonae): The movement encourages women to form supportive, empowering friendships with other women rather than depend on male companionship.
The rise of the 4B Movement in the U.S. comes at a time when more women are waking up to issues like gender equality and the erosion of women's rights. Debates about reproductive freedoms, pay inequality, and work-life balance are pushing many women to embrace the 4B mindset as a way to protect themselves and stand up for what they believe in
The 4B Movement’s core values resonate with similar movements globally, where women in different societies are rethinking traditional gender roles. In Japan, for example, many women have begun to reject traditional marriages in favor of single life and career independence, giving rise to the term "Ohitorisama," or "the art of doing things alone." Similarly, in China, "leftover women" (shèngnǚ) — a term used for educated, single women in their late 20s and beyond — are resisting social pressure to marry, pushing back against cultural expectations in favor of their personal growth and career achievements.
In Italy, a growing number of women are choosing to remain unmarried and childless, citing concerns about work-life balance, low wages, and the challenges of career advancement for women. As a result, Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, leading to societal discussions about women's rights, labor reforms, and the restructuring of family dynamics.
While the 4B Movement may seem radical to some, it emphasizes a message of female empowerment through non-conformity and a rejection of prescribed gender roles. For many women in the U.S. and abroad, it represents a way to prioritize self-determination, foster communities with other women, and question societal norms around marriage and motherhood.
English (US) ·