Unscrewed: Women, Sex, Power, and How to Stop Letting the System Screw Us All by Jaclyn Friedman Summary

Unscrewed by Jaclyn Friedman critiques systemic barriers to women’s sexual and political empowerment, exposing the myth of “fauxpowerment”—where society gives women the illusion of power without real agency. It examines media, religion, politics, and education’s roles in perpetuating inequality, while advocating for comprehensive sex education, reproductive justice, and cultural change to achieve true equity.

This book is essential for feminists, activists, educators, and anyone interested in gender equity. It’s particularly valuable for readers seeking to understand how systemic forces shape women’s sexuality and how to combat harmful norms through policy reform, education, and grassroots activism.

Yes. Praised for its sharp analysis of sexual politics, Unscrewed offers actionable insights despite critiques of its limited focus on racial intersectionality. Its exploration of fauxpowerment and systemic change remains highly relevant, making it a vital resource for modern feminist discourse.

Fauxpowerment describes the illusion of sexual freedom granted to women without accompanying political or economic power. Friedman argues corporations and media co-opt feminist rhetoric for profit, masking persistent inequalities in wages, healthcare, and bodily autonomy.

The book frames reproductive justice as more than abortion rights, emphasizing access to healthcare, contraception, and culturally competent medical support. Friedman ties these issues to broader struggles against systemic sexism and religious conservatism.

Friedman critiques right-wing religious groups for weaponizing morality to restrict women’s autonomy, particularly through anti-abortion legislation and opposition to comprehensive sex education. She highlights how these efforts reinforce gender-based power imbalances.

Friedman advocates for inclusive, evidence-based sex education that teaches consent, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and bodily autonomy. She rejects abstinence-only programs, linking them to higher rates of unintended pregnancy and sexual violence.

Some reviewers note the book’s limited discussion of racial intersectionality and its reliance on the divisive term “fauxpowerment.” However, its analysis of corporate co-optation of feminism is widely praised.

Building on Yes Means Yes (which popularized affirmative consent laws), Unscrewed expands Friedman’s focus to systemic inequities beyond sexual violence, connecting personal empowerment to political action.

Friedman urges readers to challenge fauxpowerment by:

• Supporting grassroots activism
• Voting for progressive policies
• Demanding better sex education
• Holding corporations accountable for exploiting feminist rhetoric

The book argues media perpetuates harmful stereotypes by sexualizing women’s bodies while undermining their agency. Friedman calls for critical consumption of media and support for independent, feminist-driven content.

With ongoing debates over abortion rights, #MeToo, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, Unscrewed’s analysis of systemic sexism offers a roadmap for addressing persistent inequities in education, healthcare, and workplace dynamics.