4B
MOVEMENT – SOCIAL ISSUES
NEWS:
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory, the 4B
movement, which originated in South Korea a couple of years ago, became one of
the most searched topics online.
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Overview of the 4B Movement
- Definition: 4B stands for four “no's” in Korean — bihon
(no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no romance), and
bisekseu (no sexual relationships).
- Origins: The movement began in South Korea around 2016,
after a young woman was murdered in a Seoul subway station by a man who
felt “ignored by women.”
- Context
of Inception: The rise
of the movement also coincided with reports of women being filmed secretly
by spycams in private spaces, and poor response from authorities,
highlighting systemic misogyny.
Philosophy Behind the 4B Movement
- Radical
Feminism: The
movement is rooted in a form of radical feminism, which views heterosexual
relationships as inherently oppressive to women.
- Core
Belief: Advocates
believe breaking free from traditional expectations (dating, marriage,
childbearing) is essential for women’s independence and happiness.
- The
"Four Nos": Aimed
at rejecting societal expectations tied to romance, sex, marriage, and
motherhood to liberate women from patriarchal structures.
Relevance of 4B in the Indian Context
- Social
Challenges: Indian
women often face burdens like dowry, unequal domestic responsibilities,
workplace penalties for motherhood, and intimate partner violence.
- Imbalance
in Expectations: While
societal expectations pressurize women to fulfill multiple roles,
expectations from men remain relatively limited.
- Objective: The movement's proponents argue that men must
actively contribute to a gender-just society before women offer emotional
labor, love, or the prospect of family.
Empowerment and Focus on Women’s Autonomy
- Broader
Roles for Women: The
movement encourages women to see themselves beyond traditional roles as
wives or mothers.
- Focus
on Personal Growth:
Without being tied down by domestic duties or male control, women can
prioritize their goals, hobbies, and happiness.
- Solidarity
Among Women: Promotes
strong female networks, which can include romantic lesbian relationships,
offering emotional and practical support in achieving common goals.
4B's Rise in Popularity in America
- Post-Roe
v. Wade Reversal: The
U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing the
constitutional right to abortion, triggered renewed interest in the
movement.
- State-Level
Restrictions: 21 U.S.
states have since restricted abortion access or criminalized assistance,
reversing decades of feminist gains.
- Backlash
Against Women’s Rights: The rise of misogynistic campaigns like “Your body, My choice”
further fueled the movement, which emphasizes reclaiming bodily autonomy
amid growing threats.
Criticisms and Opposition to the 4B
Movement
- Shift
in Responsibility:
Critics argue that by asking women to avoid men entirely, the movement
shifts responsibility to women, rather than holding men accountable for
change.
- Exclusivity
Concerns: Some
believe the movement could exclude transgender rights and overlook the
experiences of trans women and non-binary individuals.
- Restriction
of Choices: Critics
worry that promoting a single model for women's empowerment may limit
individual choices, as some women still value traditional roles or
heterosexual relationships despite inequality.
Parallel with India’s Gulabi Gang
- Origin
of the Gulabi Gang: In
2002, Suman Singh Chauhan in Uttar Pradesh formed a women’s vigilante
group after an incident of domestic violence.
- Purpose: The group, called Gulabi Gang (Pink Gang), not
only fought against gendered social injustices but also targeted broader
issues like corruption, caste discrimination, and social exploitation.
- Methods: The members, wearing pink sarees and carrying
bamboo sticks, used direct action and even violence to address social
evils.
Comparing 4B and the Gulabi Gang
- Focus
on Empowerment: Both
movements prioritize empowering women but use different methods — 4B
advocates social disengagement from oppressive structures, while the
Gulabi Gang confronts them head-on.
- Scope
of Issues: 4B focuses
on gender dynamics within relationships, while the Gulabi Gang addresses a
broader range of societal injustices.
- Approach: 4B’s approach is to redefine women’s roles
away from men, whereas the Gulabi Gang’s approach is to challenge and
change unjust practices directly.
Core Motivations Behind Women’s Movements
- Agency
and Autonomy: Both
movements share a fundamental desire for women to regain control over
their lives.
- Challenge
to Patriarchy: They aim
to dismantle patriarchal systems that limit women’s freedom and dictate
their roles.
- Solidarity
and Support: Emphasize
the importance of female networks in achieving empowerment and fostering
resilience against social inequalities.