Unscrewed

Women, Sex, Power, and How to Stop Letting the System Screw Us All

By: Jaclyn Friedman

Narrated by: Jaclyn Friedman

An urgent account of sexual politics, feminism, and the rules of power in America - and a potent vision for the way forward

As a veteran feminist and agenda-setting sex educator, Jaclyn Friedman is on the frontlines of the war for equity between the sexes. In Unscrewed, Friedman brings her sharp expertise and incisive observations on the state of sexual politics to the fore, sparking a culture-wide rethink about sex, power and what we accept.

With reportage and verve, Unscrewed builds a searing investigation into the state of sexual power in America, and outlines how to make real progress toward equality. Friedman reveals that the anxiety and fear women in our country feel around issues of their sexuality are not, in fact, their fault, but instead are side effects of what she calls our "era of fauxpowerment," wherein women have the illusion of sexual power, with no actual power to support it.

Exploring the fault lines where media, religion, politics, and education impinge on our intimate lives, Unscrewed breaks down the causes and signs of fauxpowerment, then gives listeners tools to take it on themselves.

©2017 Jaclyn Friedman (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Gender equality has enough superficial solutions, and Unscrewed is a precise rebuke to the notion that signifying progress is enough. Jaclyn Friedman's book reminds men that it is our job to end misogyny and rape culture, and tells women not to expect anything less." (Jamil Smith, journalist and essayist)

"Unscrewed is not just a book you should read, it's a book you'll love to read. Jaclyn Friedman's writing sings, and makes thinking about necessary and important issues a real pleasure. I can't wait to read it again." (Jessica Valenti, author of the New York Times best-selling Sex Object)

"This book should be required reading in schools across the US. Honest, sometimes painful, and brimming with empathy. It couldn't have come at a better time. Jaclyn draws you in to a world of possibility. I am hopeful reading her writing. There is so much work to do to change the systems in which we live and Jaclyn gives us practical applicable ways of doing it." (Tatiana Maslany, Emmy-winning star of Orphan Black)

when we know better, we do better

So much great information and food for thought packed in here! Well presented to boot. It's a must listen, especially if you are raising children.

required reading or listening

I want to give this book now to everyone I know. I'm no stranger to these issues, and I'm blown away by what I've learned here.

Amazing!

I loved this book! Great information and inspiration to make this world a better, safer place for everyone.

Brilliant read

Want to know how you can help undo the damaging narratives about sex and gender so prevalent in our contemporary world? Read this book. Jaclyn does a brilliant job introducing us to groundbreaking work on sexual culture. She’s one of the voices and activists that are teaching us how to unravel those dangerous norms.

Phenomenal Cultural Critique with Solutions

Jaclyn Friedman reads, in her punchy, smart style, her well-written cultural critique of sex, power and gender. She uses lots of current examples of sexual freedom fighters who are creating change in many communities across North America to show us how and what is being done and inspires the listener to figure out how they want to make a contribution, finishing the book with a list of suggestions for how we can create change. She acknowledges that change is incremental and that we must celebrate all of our wins along the way, and shares her own experiences of taking on Facebook and her college campus to make the environment safer for women, less sexist and stronger in how it deals with violence against women. Her definition of Fauxpowerment challenges the false empowerment tropes that litter our media and invites the listener to be critical of the way female empowerment is packaged and sold back to us. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the status quo around gender and race and wants to look at sex and power with a more critical lens so we can find ways to unscrew ourselves. Unscrewed is a total gift.

Beautiful

This book brought clarity to the things I think we all feel. It asked important questions, included relevant research, and made suggestions about practical solutions. I related to so much of what Jaclyn Friedman wrote. I devoured this book, listening every chance I had. I'm grateful for this woman's work and the inclusive, honest perspective she brings.