Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Frances Perkins was a trailblazing American social and labor reformer who served as the first female cabinet member in U.S. history.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 10, 1880
Died: May 14, 1965
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Perkins was an American of British descent, with a background in social work, labor relations, and politics. Her professional affiliations spanned various sectors, including:
Social worker and reformer
Labor leader and advocate
Public administrator and politicianEarly Life and Background
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Frances Perkins grew up in Boston's affluent Beacon Hill neighborhood. Her father, Charles Perkins, was a lawyer who later became the president of a local bank. Frances' mother, Susan "Fanny" Ellery, came from a family of artists and abolitionists. The Perkins household valued education, social justice, and community service.
Perkins' early life laid the groundwork for her future work in labor rights and social welfare. She developed strong convictions about the need for social reform after witnessing poverty and inequality firsthand during childhood visits to Boston's slums. These experiences shaped her determination to create positive change through policy and advocacy.
Major Accomplishments
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Perkins' tenure as a government official was marked by significant accomplishments, including:
Serving as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933-1945
Developing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which established minimum wage and overtime protections for workers
Creating the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), a precursor to modern social welfare programs
Playing a key role in shaping the Social Security Act of 1935Notable Works or Actions
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Perkins' work extended beyond government service. Some notable contributions include:
Co-founding the American Association for Labor Legislation, an organization dedicated to promoting labor rights and legislation
Advocating for workers' compensation laws and unemployment insurance
Testifying before Congress on issues related to labor and social welfare
Impact and Legacy
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Frances Perkins' legacy as a pioneering female cabinet member is matched by her lasting impact on U.S. labor law and policy. Her contributions have inspired generations of social reformers, policymakers, and advocates.
Perkins' commitment to progressive values and dedication to improving the lives of working-class Americans continue to resonate today. As a testament to her enduring influence:
The Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C., which houses the U.S. Department of Labor
The Frances Perkins Award for outstanding contributions to labor law and policy
Her name being invoked by contemporary social justice movementsWhy They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frances Perkins' words and actions continue to inspire reflection on issues like income inequality, workers' rights, and government accountability. As a testament to her lasting impact:
"The very essence of the democratic process is public participation."
"The people are the most restless element in any social system."
Her commitment to using her position to promote positive change has made her an enduring figure in American history.
Perkins' tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have cemented her place as a true leader in the fight for social justice.
Quotes by Frances Perkins
To one who believes that really good industrial conditions are the hope for a machine civilization, nothing is more heartening than to watch conference methods and education replacing police methods.
It’s only when we’re relaxed that the thing way down deep in all of us – call it the subconscious mind, the spirit, what you will – has a chance to well up and tell us how we shall go.
Most of man’s problems upon this planet, in the long history of the race, have been met and solved either partially or as a whole by experiment based on common sense and carried out with courage.
The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.
I came to Washington to work for God, FDR, and the millions of forgotten, plain common workingmen.
Our idea of what constitutes social good has advanced with the procession of the ages, from those desperate times when just to keep body and soul together was an achievement, to the great present when "good" includes an agreeable, stable civilization accessible to all, the opportunity of each to develop his particular genius and the privilege of mutual usefulness.
It is not the nature of man, as I see it, ever to be quite satisfied with what he has in life.... Contentment tends to breed laxity, but a healthy discontent keeps us alert to the changing needs of our time.