I Rewatched 9 to 5 for Dolly. I Wasn't Ready.
Dolly Parton Left This World and Took a Little Light With Her
The world lost a very shining star when Dolly Parton left this world. While a lot of rhinestones were always involved, we all know it was that thousand-watt smile that reflected the true heart of gold, the real source of that shine.
So Naturally, I Rewatched 9 to 5
In the spirit of celebrating the blondest of bombshells, I watched a childhood favorite, "9 to 5". While, of course, I chuckled, even laughed loudly, at three female comics in their primes (not to mention the fabulous Dabney Coleman), I also found myself increasingly uncomfortable. The film was made over four decades ago, yet so much of the workplace dynamics were sadly still present. The clothes might be dated, but the film did not feel like a period piece.
Wait, Is It Just Me? (I Googled It.)
I work from home and don't live in the corporate world, so my perspective may be skewed. I researched, therefore, to see what was really happening.
To start, an article with the screenwriter shared almost the exact sentiment on Quartz. "Rewatching the comedy, about three women fighting back against a sexist boss, you’ll notice that the clothing and office technology has changed, but much of the film’s message about the dynamics between men and women in the workplace remains sadly relevant nearly 40 years later." The stories shared were actually based on actual interviews with clerical workers, including Doralee learning that the entire office believes she is having sex with the boss.
What Would 9 to 5 Look Like If They Made It Today?
If it was going to be made today, I think there’s a lot of differences. In certain ways, things are even harder for women now, just because of the advent of all the tech stuff, which didn’t exist in 1980. Anyone would kill for a nine-to-five job now. We’re all expected to be reachable and ready to work, 24 hours a day. Women are expected to work and parent, and they’re expected to be available. That’s changed for the worse, and I would want to look at that.
-Screenwriter, Patricia Resnick
There's Actually a Whole Documentary About This (Of Course There Is)
As reflected in a 2022 Forbes article, a documentary, "Still Working 9 to 5", looked at what had and had not changed. It found that childcare was still difficult to find, and that men were much more likely to get credit for their ideas. The pay disparity had improved (64% to 83%) but still existed. Opportunities for advancement have improved, but as the director, Karen Nussbaum, noted, there is more work to be done.
The Work Doesn't Clock Out at 5
That work goes well beyond the hours 9 to 5, and hopefully won't take another 46 years to reach the goals. Dolly and the other ladies helped us laugh at the uncomfortable truth, but her life was living inspiration. Let's keep up the good fight in honor of her and every woman who has ever been diminished simply because of her gender.
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FAQs
Q: What is this article about?
A: It's a personal and research-backed reflection on the 1980 film 9 to 5, prompted by the passing of Dolly Parton. The author rewatched the film as a tribute and was struck by how relevant its themes of workplace sexism, pay inequality, and gender dynamics remain today.
Q: Why is Dolly Parton mentioned?
A: Dolly Parton starred in 9 to 5 and co-wrote its iconic theme song. The article is written as a tribute to her legacy and uses the film as a lens through which to examine whether women's workplace experiences have truly improved since 1980.
Q: Has women's workplace equality improved since the film 9 to 5 was released?
A: Yes, in some areas — the gender pay gap has narrowed from roughly 64 cents to 83 cents on the dollar, and advancement opportunities have increased. However, challenges around childcare access, idea attribution, and the expectation of 24/7 availability (driven by technology) remain significant.
Q: What is the documentary Still Working 9 to 5?
A: Still Working 9 to 5 is a 2022 documentary directed by Karen Nussbaum that examines the progress — and lack thereof — for working women since the original 9 to 5 film. It was covered in Forbes and revisited many of the same workplace issues depicted in the 1980 comedy.
Q: What did screenwriter Patricia Resnick say about remaking 9 to 5 today?
A: Resnick said that in some ways, things are harder for women now due to technology — women are expected to be available around the clock, to work and parent simultaneously, and a traditional 9-to-5 job has become a luxury rather than a norm.
Q: Is 9 to 5 still relevant?
A: Absolutely, according to both the film's screenwriter and the 2022 documentary. The workplace dynamics depicted — sexism, pay gaps, credit-stealing, and unrealistic expectations on women — are still recognizable in modern workplaces, even if the fashion and office technology have changed dramatically.
Q: What is the article's overall message?
A: That in celebrating Dolly Parton and her legacy, we should also reckon honestly with how far women in the workplace still have to go — and commit to doing that work without waiting another four decades.
