The Truth About Fauxpowerment: Why Sexual Liberation Isn’t What It Seems

In a world awash with images of confident, sexually liberated women, it’s easy to assume that sexual freedom has been fully achieved. Yet, beneath this glossy surface lies an uncomfortable reality. The term fauxpowerment—coined to describe the illusion of empowerment—captures this gap between appearance and reality. Women are often portrayed as having complete control over their sexuality, but systemic barriers continue to limit their autonomy.

Consider the story of a high school teacher who sent a private nude photo to her husband, only for it to be stolen and shared by a student, resulting in her dismissal. Or the tragic case of a woman attacked after rejecting unwanted advances. These real-life examples reveal the high stakes women face when expressing their sexuality. Sexual expression is still often met with punishment, stigma, and violence.

Media and pop culture frequently sell the idea that empowerment is an individual achievement, ignoring the economic, legal, and cultural systems that constrain women. For instance, advertisements celebrate sexual confidence, yet many women lack access to affordable contraception or face workplace discrimination when their sexual lives become public knowledge.

Understanding fauxpowerment invites us to question the narratives we consume and to recognize that true sexual liberation requires dismantling systemic oppression. The journey toward real empowerment is not just personal but deeply political and collective.

This exploration sets the stage for examining how economics further complicate sexual autonomy, revealing the monetary forces that commodify women's bodies and desires.

Sources and further reading: 1 , 2 , 4