6.3 Eleanor Roosevelt and the redefinition of the First Lady role
4 min read•august 13, 2024
Eleanor Roosevelt revolutionized the role of First Lady during the 1930s and 1940s. She transformed it from a ceremonial position to one of active political and social engagement, using her platform to advocate for women's rights, civil rights, and social welfare.
Her activism challenged and expanded perceptions of women's roles in politics. Despite facing criticism, Eleanor's work paved the way for future First Ladies and women in politics to take on more influential roles in American society.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Background and Activism
Early Life and Education
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- Eleanor Roosevelt was born into a wealthy and influential New York family, the Roosevelts, in 1884
- Her early life was marked by personal tragedies, including the deaths of her parents and one of her brothers
- She was educated by private tutors and at Allenswood Academy in England
- At Allenswood, she was exposed to progressive ideas and developed a sense of social responsibility
- In 1905, she married her fifth cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and became involved in his political career
- Franklin served as a New York state senator and as Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Experiences and Influences
- Eleanor's experiences during World War I further deepened her commitment to social causes and activism
- She volunteered for the American Red Cross and visited wounded soldiers
- Her friendship with activists and reformers influenced her political views and encouraged her to use her position to advocate for change
- These influential figures included Marie Souvestre, Lorena Hickok, and Mary McLeod Bethune
Redefining the First Lady
Transforming the Role
- As First Lady from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role from a largely ceremonial position to one of active political and social engagement
- She held regular press conferences, becoming the first First Lady to do so
- She used these platforms to discuss issues of importance to women and to promote her husband's policies
- Eleanor traveled extensively throughout the United States
- She visited relief projects, labor unions, and marginalized communities, and reported her findings to the President and the public
Communication and Outreach
- Eleanor wrote a daily syndicated newspaper column, ""
- The column reached millions of readers and covered a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to her personal experiences and observations
- Her activism extended beyond the United States
- She worked to promote international cooperation and understanding through her involvement with the and other organizations
Eleanor Roosevelt's Advocacy Impact
Women's Rights
- Eleanor Roosevelt was a vocal supporter of women's rights
- She worked to promote equal pay, better working conditions, and increased political participation for women
- She encouraged women to become involved in politics and public life, and supported the appointment of women to government positions
- Her influence helped to secure women's inclusion in New Deal programs and to raise awareness of issues affecting women workers
Civil Rights
- As a member of the NAACP and a supporter of civil rights, Eleanor used her platform to speak out against racial discrimination and segregation
- She resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) when they refused to allow African American singer Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall
- She arranged for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial instead
- Eleanor's support for civil rights helped to bring attention to the issue and to put pressure on the federal government to take action against discrimination
Social Welfare
- Eleanor advocated for expanded social welfare programs, including housing, education, and healthcare, as part of the New Deal and beyond
- She played a key role in the creation of the National Youth Administration (NYA), which provided job training and employment for young people
- She contributed to the establishment of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), which provided assistance to the unemployed
- Her advocacy helped to shape public opinion and to build support for social welfare programs that aimed to improve the lives of Americans affected by the Great Depression
Reception and Criticism of Eleanor Roosevelt's Activism
Public Response
- Eleanor Roosevelt's activism and outspokenness were groundbreaking for a First Lady
- Her actions were met with both praise and criticism from the public and the media
- Supporters admired her commitment to social justice and her willingness to use her position to advocate for change
- They saw her as a role model for women's political engagement and leadership
Criticism and Gender Norms
- Critics accused her of overstepping the boundaries of the First Lady role and of being too involved in politics
- Some even referred to her as "the President in petticoats"
- The criticism faced by Eleanor Roosevelt reflected the gender norms and expectations of the time
- These norms held that women, especially First Ladies, should focus on domestic and ceremonial duties rather than political activism
Challenging Gender Roles
- Despite the backlash, Eleanor's activism helped to challenge and expand societal perceptions of gender roles
- She paved the way for future First Ladies and women in politics to take on more active and influential roles
- The public reception of Eleanor Roosevelt's activism demonstrated the ongoing tension between traditional gender expectations and the growing push for women's rights and political participation in the early to mid-20th century
Key Terms to Review (16)
American Association of University Women: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national organization that promotes education and equity for women and girls. Founded in 1881, it has worked to advance gender equity through research, education, and advocacy, making significant strides in the higher education landscape and beyond. This organization played a pivotal role in shaping the opportunities available to women, especially during times of social change and redefinition of traditional roles.
Fair Labor Standards Act: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1938 that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards for workers in both the private and public sectors. This law was significant in shaping labor rights and conditions, particularly during a time when industrialization was transforming the workforce and gender roles were also evolving. The FLSA aimed to protect workers, including many women and children, from exploitation and laid the groundwork for future labor reforms.
Feminism: Feminism is a social and political movement advocating for the rights and equality of women, addressing issues such as gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and equal pay. It recognizes that women's experiences and identities are shaped by various intersecting factors, including race, class, and sexuality, which highlight the importance of inclusive approaches to gender equality.
Gender norms: Gender norms are the social and cultural expectations that dictate appropriate behaviors, roles, and responsibilities for individuals based on their perceived gender. These norms often influence personal choices, professional opportunities, and societal interactions, shaping the experiences of both women and men across different historical contexts.
My Day: My Day refers to the daily newspaper column written by Eleanor Roosevelt that was published from 1936 to 1962. Through this platform, she shared her thoughts on various social and political issues, connecting with the public and influencing their views on women's rights, civil rights, and international relations. My Day became an essential tool for Roosevelt to redefine the role of the First Lady by actively engaging in public discourse and advocating for social justice.
New Deal: The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, and financial reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions. The initiatives under the New Deal transformed the role of the federal government in American life, laying the groundwork for future social policies and redefining expectations of government responsibility.
Public advocacy: Public advocacy is the act of actively promoting a cause or issue to influence public opinion and decision-makers. It involves raising awareness, educating the public, and mobilizing support to effect change, often in relation to social, political, or environmental issues. This approach emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement and the power of collective action to address societal challenges.
Role Theory: Role theory is a sociological framework that examines how individuals fulfill various social roles and the expectations associated with them. It suggests that behavior is shaped by the roles people occupy in society, leading to predictable patterns of interaction based on gender, status, and context. This theory helps to understand shifts in societal expectations, especially regarding influential figures and post-war domestic life.
Rosie the Riveter: Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, symbolizing the strength and determination of women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers. This figure not only highlighted women's contributions to the war effort but also initiated discussions about gender roles and expectations in American society.
Social activism: Social activism refers to the efforts and movements aimed at promoting social change and addressing issues of injustice, inequality, and human rights. This term encompasses various forms of engagement, including protests, advocacy, and community organizing, aimed at creating a more equitable society. The role of influential figures and their ability to mobilize public support are often critical to the effectiveness of social activism.
Social Security Act: The Social Security Act, enacted in 1935, established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and assistance for the disabled and dependent children. This legislation was a response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression and aimed to provide financial security for American citizens. Its impact on gender roles became evident as it influenced women's labor participation and family structures during a time when traditional gender norms were being challenged.
The homemaker ideal: The homemaker ideal refers to a cultural norm that emphasizes the role of women as primary caretakers of the home, responsible for domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing. This ideal became prominent in American society during the mid-20th century, particularly in the post-World War II era, reflecting societal expectations around femininity and motherhood. It often positioned women as self-sacrificing nurturers, limiting their roles outside of the home and reinforcing traditional gender roles.
The moral crisis: The moral crisis refers to a period of ethical upheaval and reevaluation of societal values, often triggered by significant social, political, or economic changes. In the context of the First Lady role redefined by Eleanor Roosevelt, it highlighted the shift in expectations for public figures, especially women, as they navigated personal and public responsibilities amidst evolving gender norms and social justice issues.
United Nations: The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among countries. It was created in the aftermath of World War II to prevent future conflicts and to foster international collaboration on issues such as human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. The UN also plays a significant role in establishing norms related to gender equality and women's rights, particularly through initiatives led by influential figures like Eleanor Roosevelt.
Women's suffrage: Women's suffrage is the movement advocating for women's right to vote and to run for office, which gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. This movement was not just about voting rights but also challenged traditional gender roles, influenced social reforms, and laid the groundwork for later feminist movements. The fight for women's suffrage intersected with various social issues and movements, reflecting broader changes in American society.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. This monumental event not only reshaped political boundaries and international relations but also significantly influenced social roles, particularly those of women and families during wartime. The war led to shifts in gender norms, as women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, while figures like Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the expectations of political engagement and social advocacy.