Women in the New Deal Evidence

Question 1

Evidence of social progress for women in the New Deal. 4 main points

Answer 1

• Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady, advocating for women’s interests
• Women were appointed to unprecedented federal positions, including Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor (first female cabinet member)
• The Women’s Bureau in the Department of Labor expanded its work on behalf of women workers
• Women’s networks formed during the suffrage movement remained active in social reform

Question 2

Evidence of political progress for women in the New Deal. 4 main points

Answer 2

• Women voters were recognized as an important political constituency for the first time
• FDR appointed a record number of women to government positions (about 100 women to high-level posts)
• The “women’s network” of policy advisors influenced New Deal programs
• Mary McLeod Bethune headed the Division of Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration

Question 3

Evidence of economic progress by women in the New Deal. 4 main points

Answer 3

• New Deal relief programs included women, with about 20% of Works Progress Administration (WPA) jobs going to women
• The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established minimum wage without gender distinction
• Social Security provided benefits to widows and dependent wives
• The National Labor Relations Act protected female workers’ right to organise

Question 4

Evidence AGAINST social progress for women in the New Deal. 4 main points

Answer 4

• Traditional gender roles remained strongly entrenched in society
• Media depictions of women emphasised domesticity over career achievement
• Public opinion opposed married women working outside the home
• Women’s professional advances during the Depression were often viewed as taking jobs from men

Question 5

Evidence AGAINST political progress for women in the New Deal. 4 main points

Answer 5

• Women remained significantly underrepresented in elected offices
• The Equal Rights Amendment was opposed by many New Deal women who feared losing protective legislation
• Political appointments for women were largely in “feminine” domains dealing with women, children, and families
• Few women reached decision-making levels in New Deal agencies

Question 6

Evidence AGAINST economic progress for women in the New Deal. 5 main points

Answer 6

• Section 213 of the Economy Act of 1932 prohibited both spouses from working in federal service (primarily affecting women)
• Many New Deal programs prioritised male employment (CCC excluded women entirely)
• Women were often classified as “non-breadwinners” in relief programs
• Occupational segregation continued with women concentrated in lower-paying sectors
• The wage gap persisted with women earning approximately 60% of men’s wages

Question 7

Statistical evidence for women in the New Deal. 5

Answer 7

• Female employment actually increased during the Depression from 10.5 million in 1930 to 13 million by 1940
• The percentage of professional women who were married increased from 12% in 1930 to 25% by 1940
• Women comprised about 20% of WPA workers but received only 13% of WPA wages
• By 1940, married women's workforce participation had increased to 15.5% from 11.7% in 1930
• Women held only 2% of federal judgeships and less than 2% of congressional seats during the New Deal