The Rising Influence of the 4B Movement and Gender Divide

A notable factor in South Korea’s decline in birth rates is the “4B Movement,” which stands for the “Four Nos”: no dating, no sex, no marriage, and no childbirth. Originating in 2019, this feminist movement encourages women to minimize interactions with men, a response to entrenched gender inequities and economic disparities that disproportionately affect women. This rejection of traditional gender roles has gained traction in the U.S., particularly among younger women who relate to the movement’s calls for autonomy and equality. Across platforms like TikTok, the 4B ideology is resonating, with many American women also voicing their desire to avoid relationships with men they feel aren’t aligned with their values.

A widening gender divide in beliefs is apparent in both South Korea and the United States. For example, a study cited in The Free Press highlights that in the U.S., there’s a sharp divide in political views among young men and women, a divide that can make dating and long-term relationships challenging. Single Gen Z women, for instance, significantly outnumber single men with liberal leanings, while conservative young men face a shortage of potential conservative female partners.

Economic and Societal Challenges for Young Families

In South Korea, the economic barriers to family life are daunting. The financial strain of raising children in urban areas with skyrocketing living costs has dissuaded many young adults from even considering parenthood. Childcare costs, housing expenses, and the burdens of long working hours without significant support systems compound the reluctance. The story is similar in the U.S., where millennials and Gen Z face their own economic headwinds: high student loan debt, rising housing costs, and a high cost of living. This makes the choice to start a family seem like a daunting commitment—one that many young people feel unprepared to make.

Shifts in Gender Norms and Expectations

South Korean men, confronted with a powerful feminist movement, often find themselves caught between traditional expectations and a modernizing society that encourages gender equity. Yet this friction sometimes breeds resentment and pushes young men toward more conservative, sometimes anti-feminist ideologies, a dynamic also seen in American discourse. Some U.S. political figures are openly courting the young male vote by leaning into this resentment. Such divisions fuel online communities where young men express frustration, which sometimes leads to damaging rhetoric against women.

The Future of Family in a Polarized Society

Despite these challenges, many young Americans still aspire to have children—recent Gallup polls indicate that a majority of Americans under 30 desire parenthood. However, how and with whom they envision building families is evolving. More young people are reimagining family structures, delaying marriage, and reconsidering traditional gender roles within family life. This shift doesn’t necessarily signal the end of family as an institution but rather a transformation in how it’s conceptualized and lived.

Lessons from South Korea: The Need for Structural Support and Social Adaptation

To avoid the demographic cliff South Korea is facing, the U.S. might benefit from examining some key lessons:

🏡 Structural Support for Families: Policies that provide robust family support, like affordable childcare, parental leave, and housing assistance, could alleviate some economic pressures on young families.

⚤ Flexible Gender Norms: Societal encouragement of flexible gender roles, where both men and women participate equally in domestic and caregiving roles, could create a more supportive environment for families.

🗯️ Open Dialogue and Reduced Polarization: Addressing the gender divide requires an open societal dialogue. In both Korea and the U.S., young people increasingly feel isolated in their gendered identities, and reducing this divide could lead to healthier relationships and communities.

Conclusion: Reimagining the Future of Families

America’s path need not mirror South Korea’s, but there are signs worth heeding. Young people today are increasingly redefining relationships, and if these demographic and ideological trends continue, the implications for American society are significant. For many, the solution lies in fostering supportive environments for diverse family models, reducing economic pressures, and encouraging a healthier cultural dialogue around gender, expectations, and equality. With intentional, supportive policies and societal shifts, America can avoid a similar demographic crisis and ensure a vibrant future for coming generations.

In a world of rapid change, this is an opportunity for thoughtful reimagining—one that can ultimately benefit all.