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

1. Fauxpowerment traps women with sexual illusions while denying systemic equality.
2. Healthy consent requires dismantling guilt-driven "yes" culture in relationships.
3. Reclaiming pleasure as political power challenges patriarchal control of bodies.
4. Media’s hypersexualization of women fuels anxiety over authentic sexual agency.
5. Sex education gaps perpetuate harmful myths about boundaries and desire.
6. Systemic change—not individual blame—addresses workplace harassment and assault.
7. Religious and political rhetoric weaponizes shame to control women’s autonomy.
8. Self-pleasure practices rebuild body sovereignty in a culture of objectification.
9. Intersectional feminism exposes how race and class amplify sexual oppression.
10. Corporate “empowerment” campaigns mask profit-driven exploitation of female sexuality.
11. Artistic expression counters fauxpowerment by centering marginalized sexual narratives.
12. Community organizing beats performative allyship in fighting systemic sexism.

About the Author

Jaclyn Friedman, bestselling author of Unscrewed: Women, Sex, Power, and How to Stop Letting the System Screw Us All, is a leading feminist writer, educator, and activist. She is renowned for pioneering the affirmative consent movement.

A co-editor of the groundbreaking anthology Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape—named one of Ms. magazine’s Most Influential Feminist Books—Friedman’s work bridges gender equality, sexual empowerment, and systemic change. Her insights stem from decades of advocacy, including founding EducateUS to reform sex education and launching the #FBrape campaign, which pressured Facebook to ban gender-based hate speech.

Friedman’s commentary has graced The New York Times, NPR, and PBS NewsHour, and her podcast Unscrewed was hailed by Marie Claire and Esquire as a top sex-positive series. Her other works, including What You Really Really Want and the anthology Believe Me, further cement her role as a vital voice in feminist discourse. Yes Means Yes has inspired laws in five U.S. states and remains a staple in gender studies curricula worldwide.

FAQs About This Book

What is Unscrewed: Women, Sex, Power, and How to Stop Letting the System Screw Us All about?

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.

Who should read Unscrewed?

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.

Is Unscrewed worth reading?

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.

What is “fauxpowerment” in Unscrewed?

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.

How does Unscrewed address reproductive justice?

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.

What role does religion play in Unscrewed?

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.

How does Jaclyn Friedman view sex education in Unscrewed?

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.

What criticisms does Unscrewed face?

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.

How does Unscrewed relate to Friedman’s previous work?

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.

What solutions does Unscrewed propose?

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

How does Unscrewed discuss media’s role in gender inequality?

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.

Why is Unscrewed still relevant today?

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.