The Negotiations of the Ideal Worker Norm: A Close Analysis of the Work/Life Portrayal in the Intern
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper analyzes the portrayal of work-life balance in the movie The Intern, focusing on the character of Ben Whittaker, played by the iconic Robert De Niro, who takes on the role of a senior intern at a bourgeoning fashion e-commerce company under the leadership of the young, dynamic, and driven chief executive officer (CEO), Jules Ostin, portrayed by the brilliant Anne Hathaway. Two research questions were posed (How is the work/life of Jules Ostin portrayed in The Intern?; How does this portrayal shape conceptualizations of work and life in important ways?”) to understand how this cultural artifact adds to the literature on work-life balance. The analysis reveals that while some representations reinforce the ideal worker norms, others challenge them and suggest that work and life can coexist in balance. However, the role reversal mentoring and power dynamics in the film raise concerns about whether it subtly perpetuates traditional organizational structures and stereotypes. Two themes emerged from the analysis: Normalized Work and Ideal Worker Norms, and Reverse Power Dynamics concerning Gender and Age. The first theme shows how Ben and Jules navigate ideal worker norms. The second theme examines the reversal of power dynamics by age and gender. The film depicts a young woman as CEO and an older man as her intern, normalizing work and reinforcing ideal worker norms. Additionally, Ben’s dressing style visually reinforces societal expectations of an ideal worker, normalizing the work concept.
Source: Humanities and Social Sciences
Author: Gertrude Nartey
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409053772