As our world changes, I find myself reflecting on the vital importance of resilient leadership during these challenging times. With many years of experience in public service, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful headwinds that can make forward progress seem impossible. I am also reminded that the courageous leaders from our past continue to inspire and guide us, motivating us to move ahead with renewed purpose and determination.
In that spirit, and to honor Women’s History Month, I want to share the story of Frances Perkins, a woman whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for the modern social welfare and human services system in the United States.
As the first female U.S. Cabinet member and Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins was instrumental in shaping the framework of public welfare legislation during the New Deal.
We often overlook that the foundation of this nation’s human services system is not even 100 years old, first established in the New Deal legislation of the 1930s. Aside from the short-lived Freedman’s Bureau created during Reconstruction, the federal government did not play a significant role in the social welfare of its citizens until the Depression era when Frances Perkins helped introduce a new framework.
Before joining President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration as Secretary of Labor in 1933, Frances Perkins had already spent decades advocating for worker protections and social welfare policies. Inspired by the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—a tragedy that claimed the lives of 146 workers, many of whom were young immigrant women—Perkins dedicated her career to improving workplace conditions and expanding economic security for all Americans.
A Vision for Economic Security
Frances Perkins brought a profound commitment to economic mobility and workers’ rights to her role as Secretary of Labor. Influenced by her early work in settlement houses and labor advocacy, she recognized the urgent need for systemic change to combat poverty, unemployment, and workplace exploitation. When Roosevelt took office in 1933, the country was mired in the Great Depression, and he sought out Perkins to join his Cabinet to help design the new laws. Her leadership and vision transformed the New Deal from simply an economic recovery plan into a foundation for modern social welfare policy. Perkins’ efforts were crucial in establishing the underlying infrastructure for labor protections, unemployment relief, and financial security programs that continue to support Americans today.
In a 1935 radio address, Perkins shared her forward-thinking vision:
The process of recovery is not a simple one. … We cannot be satisfied merely with makeshift arrangements which will tide us over the present emergencies. We must devise plans that will not merely alleviate the ills of today, but will prevent, as far as it is humanly possible to do so, their recurrence in the future.
At the heart of Frances Perkins’ legacy is her role in crafting and implementing the Social Security Act of 1935, one of the most significant pieces of legislation in U.S. history. Acknowledging the widespread economic devastation of the Great Depression, Perkins championed a system that provided financial support for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.
Key components of the Social Security Act included:
- Old-age pensions for retired workers, ensuring economic security for aging Americans;
- Unemployment Insurance, providing a financial lifeline to people who lost jobs through no fault of their own;
- Aid to dependent children and disabled individuals, establishing a framework for what would later evolve into modern human service programs.
Beyond Social Security, Perkins was a driving force behind the laws that transformed labor conditions in America. She was instrumental in the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which established a minimum wage, set limits on child labor, and instituted the 40-hour workweek. She also helped design the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Public Works Administration (PWA), programs that created millions of jobs during the Great Depression and built infrastructure that continues to benefit the nation today.
While the New Deal was far from perfect and didn’t meet the needs of all Americans- for instance, domestic and agricultural workers, many of whom were people of color, were excluded from labor protections- it created a critical paradigm shift in the government’s role that would lay the groundwork for subsequent social programs and policies.
The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.
Frances perkins
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Resilience in the Face of Opposition
Frances Perkins faced significant pushback and opposition throughout her career, both for her policies and for simply being a woman in a position of power. Her resilience in the face of opposition makes her legacy even more remarkable.
As the first female Cabinet member, Perkins faced constant scrutiny, with many questioning whether a woman should hold such a high-ranking position. She was openly ridiculed for her appearance, conservative dress, and reserved demeanor. Critics condescendingly called her “Mother Perkins,” attempting to undermine her authority and sideline her initiatives.
Frances Perkins’ advocacy for minimum wage laws, limits on working hours, and bans on child labor faced significant opposition from business and industrial leaders. She also encountered resistance within the labor movement she supported. Some labor leaders resented her influence, believing that union leaders should dictate labor policy without government intervention, particularly from a woman. As a result, Perkins had to navigate the conflicting demands of labor unions and businesses, which often put her at odds with both sides.
Despite facing gender discrimination and skepticism, Frances Perkins remained steadfast in pursuing better conditions for the American people.
Indeed, she outlasted many critics and served as Labor Secretary for 12 years, longer than anyone before or since. She played a crucial role in securing the passage of Social Security, fair labor laws, and workplace safety reforms, which permanently altered American welfare and labor policy.
Frances Perkins’ belief in the government’s responsibility to ensure economic security laid the foundation for essential future programs like SNAP, Medicare, and Medicaid. To this day, Social Security remains a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, despite numerous efforts to undermine it, reflecting her lasting impact.
Ensuring Her Legacy Endures
As we face efforts to dismantle this country’s human services system, Frances Perkins remains a testament to the power of public service, resilience, and visionary leadership. Many years ago, she reminded us that to achieve significant goals, “You just can’t be afraid.” Her influence on the nation’s social welfare infrastructure persists. In her spirit, we must work together to ensure that economic security and worker protections remain central to American policy.
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