Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful docu puts labor dispute in historical context.
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A Woman's Work: The NFL's Cheerleader Problem
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A WOMAN'S WORK: THE NFL'S CHEERLEADING PROBLEM follows two former cheerleaders, one for the Oakland Raiders and one for the Buffalo Bills, as they try to end unfair and illegal employment practices by both the league and the teams. Cheerleaders have long worked for less than minimum wage, used their own money for expenses without reimbursement, and worked many hours training and making public appearances for no pay at all. Eventually lawsuits are filed seeking not only the pay they were owed for hours they worked, but also changes in policies and practices that will make things better for those who follow. Many people argue that cheerleading isn't important, and that the cheerleaders should be happy just to be on the team because of the intangible benefits it provides. The film also explores how women have been valued and treated historically, tying the NFL issues to the long struggle for equal rights and equal pay.
Is It Any Good?
This is an interesting documentary that provides a lot of food for thought about a profession that most people probably don't give much thought to, and don't see as having much value, either. A Woman's Work: The NFL's Cheerleading Problem goes beyond showing the hard work and dedication it takes to be a professional cheerleader by exploring the differences and similarities of two in particular. It also provides some historical context for how women and the work they do have been valued (or not) by society.
The documentary comes down fully in favor of the cheerleaders, and takes the NFL and team ownership to task for their poor attitudes toward and treatment of the women who work so hard for their billion-dollar industry. But it does present the other sides' arguments, and viewers will hear from people with a wide range of opinions about the issues raised. Whether you're an NFL fan or not, or a feminist or not, there's plenty of material here to spark interesting discussions about sports, teamwork, what society finds valuable, and getting a fair wage for your work.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Woman's Work: The NFL's Cheerleading Problem presents the issues it raises. Is it fair and impartial? Do documentaries have to be?
Do you agree that most professional sports teams don't value or appreciate cheerleaders? Should they? Why or why not? How does the history of women in society and the workplace affect cheerleading, or any other job women do?
Did the movie change your attitude about cheerleading as a profession, or about the women who do it? What did you learn about it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 11, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : January 4, 2021
- Cast : Lacy Thibodeaux Fields , Maria Pinzone
- Director : Yu Gu
- Studio : 1091 Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Arts
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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