Frances Perkins

Definition

Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, appointed as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945. She played a critical role in shaping labor policies and advocating for workers' rights during a time of economic turmoil, particularly as the country faced the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Frances Perkins was instrumental in developing policies that improved working conditions and labor rights, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
2. She advocated for the establishment of a minimum wage and maximum hour laws, aiming to protect workers from exploitation during the Great Depression.
3. Perkins was a strong supporter of women's involvement in the workforce, which became increasingly essential during World War II as men went off to fight.
4. Her leadership helped to integrate more women into government roles, demonstrating that women could contribute significantly to public service and policy-making.
5. Perkins' tenure as Secretary of Labor coincided with significant shifts in gender roles, highlighting how women played crucial roles not only at home but also in industry and government.

Review Questions

• How did Frances Perkins’ role as Secretary of Labor influence women's participation in the workforce during World War II?
  • Frances Perkins' position as Secretary of Labor was pivotal in promoting women's involvement in the workforce during World War II. She recognized that as men were drafted into military service, women would need to fill essential roles in factories and other industries. Her support for policies that encouraged women's employment helped to dismantle traditional gender roles, leading to a significant increase in female participation in the labor force during this critical period.
• In what ways did Frances Perkins contribute to labor reform through her advocacy for the New Deal programs?
  • Frances Perkins contributed significantly to labor reform through her advocacy for various New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery. As Secretary of Labor, she worked tirelessly on legislation that established labor standards, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act which set minimum wage and maximum hour laws. Her efforts not only improved working conditions but also laid the groundwork for future labor rights movements, ensuring that workers were treated fairly and justly during a time of economic crisis.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Frances Perkins’ policies on labor rights and women's roles in American society post-World War II.
  • The long-term impact of Frances Perkins’ policies on labor rights and women's roles in American society was profound. Her efforts helped to establish essential labor protections that are still relevant today, such as minimum wage laws and unemployment insurance through the Social Security Act. Moreover, by advocating for women's employment opportunities during World War II, she laid the foundation for future generations of women to pursue careers outside traditional roles, contributing to ongoing discussions about gender equality and workforce diversity in America.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at recovering from the Great Depression and providing relief to the unemployed.

Social Security Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance, largely driven by Perkins' advocacy.

Women’s Army Corps (WAC): A women's branch of the U.S. Army created during World War II, which allowed women to serve in non-combat roles, reflecting the increasing participation of women in the war effort.