Growing Movement Against Dating Gains Interest Among Young American Women Following Trump’s Election Win

 

Amid growing frustration with societal misogyny and political setbacks for women’s rights, a protest movement originating in South Korea is now capturing the attention of young American women. Known as "4B," this movement encourages women to forgo heterosexual relationships, marriage, and childbirth in protest against institutionalized misogyny. Following Donald Trump’s recent election victory, this trend has seen a notable surge among U.S. women, particularly among Gen Z.

McKenna, a 24-year-old from a conservative, rural U.S. state, said Trump’s victory was a decisive moment for her. Although she had recently resumed dating after a personal hiatus, she canceled her plans, feeling disillusioned. “It’s heartbreaking to know that in this country you only matter if you’re a straight white man,” she expressed, referring to the limited rights and protections that women, especially young women, feel they have under the current administration.

The 4B movement, short for four pillars of avoidance — rejecting heterosexual marriage, dating, sex, and childbirth — first gained traction in South Korea in response to the country’s alarming “spycam” epidemic, where women were filmed without consent in private spaces. The movement gained momentum as a form of feminist resistance and a call for female independence from societal norms that many view as repressive. South Korean activist Haein Shim, now a researcher at Stanford University, explained that this movement goes beyond just distancing from men; it aims to establish a lifestyle prioritizing women’s solidarity and safety.

The movement’s popularity has soared, with social media amplifying the message. On platforms like TikTok, women have shared videos promoting the idea, with one viral video encouraging, “Girls, it’s time to boycott all men!” This call to action, resonating with millions, has led to a 450% increase in Google searches for “4B” in the United States. The movement serves as a symbolic rejection of patriarchal pressures, echoing the sentiments of earlier feminist groups in the U.S. that advocated independence from traditional gender roles.

For many young women, Trump’s victory, and his embrace of prominent “manosphere” figures, has intensified the desire to reconsider heterosexual relationships. Figures such as Joe Rogan and Elon Musk — who has previously urged higher birth rates — are often seen as reinforcing traditional gender roles, sparking a reaction among women who wish to assert control over their lives and bodies.

The growing American interest in 4B raises questions about the implications of political shifts on personal relationships. Although McKenna is uncertain about fully committing to 4B’s principles, she said she now approaches social situations with a different mindset. “Instead of mingling to find a date, I’m going to mingle to get change,” she shared, emphasizing her desire for empowerment and solidarity.

As the conversation around women’s rights and independence evolves, the 4B movement’s popularity could signal a broader shift in how young women across cultures respond to societal pressures and political developments. For now, McKenna and others like her find solace in the support of a community determined to advocate for women’s rights and redefine what independence and empowerment mean in today’s world.