America: A History Podcast

BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name?

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Episode notes

Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar.

In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms.

We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins' complicated relationship with the media and her strategic choice to remain out of the spotlight, which ironically contributed to her historical obscurity. She also highlights how Perkins’ memoirs often downplayed her own influence, attributing her successes to President Roosevelt instead.

It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how historical narratives are shaped, often by the male-dominated journalism of the time, leading to Perkins becoming a mere trivia answer rather than the icon she truly is, and we ponder how modern movements can learn from her story.

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Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.

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Highlights from this episode:

  • Frances Perkins, the first woman in the U.S. Cabinet, played a pivotal role in the New Deal legislation, shaping the modern welfare state with her innovative policies.
  • Despite her significant contributions, Frances Perkins remains largely unremembered by the public, overshadowed by male contemporaries who wrote history from their perspective.
  • The Frances Perkins Center has been instrumental in revitalizing her legacy, advocating for her recognition as a moral icon and ensuring her contributions are not forgotten.
  • Individual and collective action were both essential to Perkins' approach, demonstrating that real change requires collaboration and community involvement.
  • The historical narrative often neglects female figures like Perkins; it's crucial to highlight women’s roles in shaping policy and social reform throughout history.
  • Frances Perkins' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles and their impact on society, particularly in times of crisis.

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Additional Resources:

Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor

How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News

Social Security History

Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin

The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

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