In the aftermath of a divisive election, the political landscape for many American women is characterized by a mix of reflection, concern, and anticipation. While Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in both the electoral college and popular vote has sparked debate over the future of American feminism, some young women are drawing inspiration from an unexpected source: South Korea’s radical 4B movement.

This feminist collective, which calls for a boycott of men in relationships, emerged in response to Korea’s rigid gender norms and systemic sexism. Rooted in the country’s Me Too movement and the “Escape the Corset” campaign against strict beauty standards, 4B encourages women to reject traditional roles by forgoing marriage, dating, sex, and motherhood. Supporters argue that if women are valued solely as sexual objects and breeders, they should refuse to participate in those exploitative societal functions.

In the U.S., where feminism often prioritizes individual choice, 4B’s message of complete disengagement from male-centered roles has struck a chord with some American women frustrated by perceived political setbacks. On social media, the hashtag #4Bmovement has gained traction, with women discussing the empowerment of opting out.

Meanwhile, Trump’s return to the White House is poised to usher in significant economic changes, including proposed tax cuts, corporate incentives, and tariffs aimed at boosting domestic production. However, economists warn that these policies could also increase the federal deficit, raise consumer prices, and complicate labor markets as mass deportations and immigration limits tighten the workforce.

Politically, Trump’s appointment of Susie Wiles as his chief of staff marks a historic milestone, making her the first woman to hold this role. Wiles, known for her low-profile yet influential work within GOP circles, brings decades of campaign management experience to the administration.

Notably, even as Trump’s victory ushers in a new conservative administration, voters in seven states backed measures to protect abortion rights, suggesting that some issues, like reproductive freedom, may be prioritized differently by the electorate when selecting national leaders.

As women worldwide grapple with these complex, often contradictory developments and their global implications, the 4B movement’s unique lens on autonomy and agency might serve as a model for a new way forward. For many, 4B’s disciplined approach offers a chance to reassess how personal choices can challenge systemic issues. This raises a provocative question: Are American feminists ready to embrace radical autonomy in the pursuit of lasting change—and could it truly make a difference?