Lipstick Feminism - Overview

Overview

Philosophically, Lipstick feminism proposes that a woman is empowered — psychologically, socially, politically – by the wearing of cosmetic make up, sexually suggestive clothes, and the practice of a sexual allure that appeals to men and to women. The rhetoric of 'choice' and empowerment is used to validate such overt sexual practices, because they no longer represent coerced acquiescence to societally established gender roles, such as “the good girl”, “the decent woman”, “the abnegated mother”, “the virtuous sister”, et aliæ.

Other feminists object that the so-called empowerment of Lipstick feminism is a philosophic contradiction wherein a woman chooses to sexually objectify herself, and so ceases to be her own woman, in control neither of her self nor of her person. In an ongoing debate, Lipstick feminism counter-proposes that the practice of sexual allure is a form of social power in the interpersonal relations between a man and a woman, which may occur in the realms of cultural, social, and gender equality.

• Designer business attire reflecting the "lipstick feminism" trend. Empowerment is linked to glamour and sex appeal.

• Lipstick feminism: A woman student primping before entering a classroom.

• A protestor opposed to slut-shaming during SlutWalk New York City.