Is Katy Perry's "Woman's World" empowering for women?

Mark (No)

Katy Perry’s latest single, “Woman’s World,” is absurd and in no way empowering for women, seemingly mocking feminism. From the opening moments of the video, complete with a cast of perfectly modelesque female bodies, it comes across as an outdated skit, with the content and message coming about 12 years too late. The song itself isn’t anything to celebrate either; Perry’s performance comes across as bored and uninspired. 

There’s also the controversy surrounding Dr. Luke, whom Perry collaborated with on the track. Kesha accused Dr. Luke and took him to court for assault and other forms of abuse. Though the case has since been settled, Katy’s detractors and supporters have been critical and wary of this latest release due to this collaboration alone—especially since the theme is supposed to center around 'female empowerment.' They've cited how Perry paraded women around in their bikinis for the music video, sexualizing them in the same manner we see in blatantly exploitative media and entertainment. The entire effort has come across as extremely tone-deaf. Even Katy herself has described the single as a 'parody' of sorts, essentially admitting that she had no intention of making a genuine statement about female empowerment. Whether she is backpedaling or did not expect the overwhelmingly negative reaction is unclear. However, seeing as this is her first effort in several years, it would seem as though Katy has fallen out of touch with the audience that made her a household name. Most feel that “Woman’s World” is an abomination of feminism and a derailment of Perry’s highly anticipated comeback. It may be a woman’s world, but Ms. Perry seems to be living in another one altogether.

Joanna (Yes)

Katy Perry’s latest single, “Woman’s World,” is a song that empowers women to not only flaunt their femininity but have a little fun while doing it. Katy has gone on the record to say that the track is 'satire' and intended to be 'on the nose.' As usual, this woman knows exactly what she’s doing and is in complete control of her art. That sort of autonomy is a prime example of empowerment. She has the platform to make a statement about women living in the 21st century, and she does it with her signature controversy-producing flare—just remember how her break-out single, 'I Kissed A Girl' launched her into fame...and infamy. 

The title 'Woman's World' is itself something that is rapidly becoming a valid statement. Katy has written a song that echoes what’s on the mind of so many, sparking discussion and discourse on the subject of female empowerment, the catalyst for further progress. The lyric 'it’s a woman’s world/and you’re lucky to be living in it' somehow manages to be both biting and emphatic.  

In this instance, there's a sense of underlying irony that is certainly not lost on Katy. She shows that women can stand in the face of centuries of oppression and still look good doing it. With previous hits like “Roar,” and now “Woman’s World,” Katy has stayed true to her message and achieved a massive platform in the process. “Woman’s World” is a reflection of our meme-fueled culture without betraying the roots of her cause. It’s a woman’s world, and the ladies are finally living out loud.