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