Are US Women Protesting Against Trump by ‘Swearing Off Sex with Men’? Exploring the Echo of South Korea’s 4B Movement
In the wake of polarizing political landscapes, protests often manifest in unique and unexpected ways. Since the 2016 election of Donald Trump, some media outlets have suggested that American women are employing an unconventional form of dissent: swearing off heterosexual relationships as a political statement. This idea has drawn comparisons to South Korea’s burgeoning “4B movement,” a feminist stance rejecting marriage, childbirth, dating, and sexual relationships with men.
But how accurate are these claims? Are US women truly taking cues from South Korea’s radical feminist movement, or is this narrative more of a sensationalized media construct?
What Is the 4B Movement?
The 4B movement, or “Four Nos” movement, originated in South Korea as a reaction to pervasive patriarchy, traditional gender roles, and societal expectations. Participants deliberately eschew heterosexual relationships, citing issues like gender-based violence, economic inequality, and the pressures of traditional family structures. It’s a bold statement of independence and self-preservation in a culture where such choices are often stigmatized.
Unlike many feminist ideologies, the 4B movement embraces a separatist approach, asserting that women can thrive without male involvement in their personal lives. This fringe movement has gained traction among young South Korean women, sparking international curiosity.
Is the Trend Spreading to the US?
While the idea of “swearing off men” as a form of protest might seem like an extreme reaction, there is some historical precedent for feminist movements embracing similar tactics. In the 1970s, second-wave feminism popularized the notion of “political lesbianism,” which encouraged women to prioritize solidarity with other women over romantic relationships with men.
Since Trump’s election, some American women have expressed a profound disillusionment with the men in their lives—particularly those who supported Trump or failed to speak out against misogynistic rhetoric. Movements like #MeToo and the Women’s March brought widespread attention to systemic sexism, empowering women to reevaluate their relationships with men.
However, there’s little evidence to suggest that large numbers of US women are consciously emulating South Korea’s 4B movement. Rather, it seems the comparison arises from a few anecdotal stories and sensational headlines, creating a narrative that may overstate the phenomenon.
The Power of Symbolic Protest
Regardless of its scale, the idea of rejecting traditional gender dynamics as a form of resistance holds symbolic weight. For some women, disengaging from heterosexual relationships can feel like a reclamation of autonomy and a rejection of systems that uphold patriarchy.
It’s also worth noting that this type of protest is inherently personal and diverse. While some women might swear off dating entirely, others may use the cultural moment to redefine their boundaries, expectations, or partnerships.
Media Sensationalism vs. Reality
The media’s tendency to draw parallels between disparate feminist movements risks oversimplifying the nuances of both. The 4B movement is deeply rooted in South Korea’s unique sociocultural context, while US women’s reactions to Trump-era politics are shaped by entirely different dynamics.
Moreover, these headlines can distract from the broader, more systemic issues at play. Women’s dissatisfaction with patriarchy extends far beyond dating habits. Economic inequality, reproductive rights, and political representation remain central concerns that demand attention.
Conclusion
While the idea of US women “swearing off men” as a form of protest may grab headlines, it’s unlikely to reflect a widespread or organized movement akin to South Korea’s 4B stance. Instead, it serves as a metaphor for a broader cultural shift—a growing dissatisfaction with patriarchal systems and a desire for empowerment and equality.
