Resistance through no sex: The 4B movement in South Korea
The 4B movement in South Korea represents one of the most radical rejections of patriarchy to date: no sex, no dating, no marriage, no children.
For years, the image of young women in Seoul’s nightlife was characterized by miniskirts, makeup and a “cute” demeanor. Now, more women are adopting short hair, baggy pants and loose shirts as a statement of independence. Meanwhile, marriage and birth rates in South Korea have hit historic lows. Socioeconomic factors play a role. For many women, however, it is a conscious rejection of the patriarchal norms still deeply embedded in the society. The movement has also sparked backlash from many South Korean men, who often reject even moderate forms of feminism. A report by Caroline Bergmann.