Name: 9 to 5 (1980 PG)
Telephone: In 1980 when this movie was released, the gender pay gap was 62%. In 2020, it had only risen to 81%. In other words, on average, a woman earns 81 cents for every dollar that a man earns. How does this movie examine the issue of pay inequality? What has changed since 1980, in terms of gender work equality? Will the gender pay gap ever go away entirely?
Price range: $$

Content Area

Economics

Rating

Length

1h 49min

Movie Story Line

A comedic look at how three women manage to trap their boss at his own house and assume control of his work department. The movie grapples with sexism in the workplace.

Watch the Trailer

Watch This Movie

Watch 9 to 5 on demand.

Topics

gender discrimination, labor discrimination

Teaching Idea #1

In 1980 when this movie was released, the gender pay gap was 62%. In 2020, it had only risen to 81%. In other words, on average, a woman earns 81 cents for every dollar that a man earns. How does this movie examine the issue of pay inequality? What has changed since 1980, in terms of gender work equality? Will the gender pay gap ever go away entirely?

Teaching Idea #2

One of the solutions lauded at the end of the movie is company-provided, on-site day care for all employees. What does available census data tell us about the importance of this issue for working families today? How much does quality day care cost in your community? What are the government proposals to address inadequate or unaffordable day care?

Teaching Idea #3

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for all people was $3.10/hour in 1980. In 2020, the federal minimum wage has only risen to $7.25/hour. Many people argue that the current minimum wage is not a living wage and that it should raise to $15/hour. Do you agree? Why or why not?