Workin' 9 to 5

A few years ago, I listened to a fascinating podcast called “Dolly Parton’s America” all about the cultural impact of Dolly Parton and her music. The podcast explores the question of why Dolly Parton is such a unifying figure, particularly in the United States, but also around the world. I recommend listening, even if you’re not a Parton fan. Given our readings on the feminist perspective this week, it is interesting to consider the impact Parton has on feminism. This is a complex topic with varying opinions and one I’m certain an entire book could be (and likely has been) written about.


One of Parton’s most iconic songs, “9 to 5”, serves as an example of how a single cultural artifact can have a profound and long-lasting effect on society. “9 to 5” was written in 1980 in conjunction with a movie of the same name starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton -- three working women who comedically try to get even with and overthrow their sexist boss. The movie was inspired by a real world organization called 9 to 5 that advocates for working women’s issues. The organization’s website states it is “one of the largest, most respected national membership organizations of working women in the U.S.” and is currently celebrating 50 years in operation. Though it was masked with comedy, the film and its title song continue to spark conversations about misogyny and sexism in the workplace.


Sellnow discusses Betty Friedan’s (1963) argument that women should be given equal opportunity to work outside the home because “women’s work” such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, child-rearing, etc. is economically uncompensated and also trivialized as unimportant or not valuable in our society. Cultural feminist perspective tells us that these and other socialized feminine characteristics, skills, and actions should be seen as valuable for everyone, regardless of gender. With that perspective, Parton’s song portrays and celebrates women working outside the home, embracing their role as “folks like me on the job working 9 to 5” (Parton, 1980). While the song’s catchy melody is energetic and hopeful, the lyrics paint a different picture of the realities of the patriarchal and sexist working environments many women faced at that time, and which in some ways, have not significantly changed since. Consider these lyrics:


“Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin', barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'

They just use your mind and they never give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it.


9 to 5, for service and devotion. You would think that I would deserve a fair promotion.

Want to move ahead, but the boss won't seem to let me. I swear sometimes that man is out to get me.


...they let you dream just to watch 'em shatter, you're just a step on the boss-man's ladder...


...it's a rich man's game, no matter what they call it, and you spend your life puttin' money in his wallet...” (Parton, 1980).

Parton’s lyrics put words to working women’s feelings when they are not given credit for their contributions at work, passed over for promotions, or feel they are being used for their intellect. This further demonstrates the larger issues women must overcome in the workplace like wage inequality or lack of career advancement opportunities. It is clear to see why this song maintains its popularity and relatability for so many today and has become a catalyst for feminist advocacy and activism since the movie and film’s release over four decades ago. That is one incredible legacy to leave for a pop culture icon like Dolly Parton.

Why do you think Dolly's lyrics still resonate with working women today?