Encouraging the ‘little guy’ to ‘shine like the sun’: 9 to 5 and women’s humour stereotypes

This article examines how Dolly Parton’s and Patricia Resnick’s musical 9 to 5 breaks down women’s humour stereotypes in various ways, showing the many facets of each character’s personality and thereby illustrating that real women’s personalities are multifaceted. Through a textual analysis of 9 to 5’s libretto, this article suggests that 9 to 5 offers a general empowerment message that is rooted in feminist principles but appeals to a broader audience.