New Deal Work Relief for Women: the Case of Oklahoma

Abstract

This study examines the Depression Era work relief programs for women during the New Deal of President Franklin Roosevelt; how they began, what they offered, and what women gained from them, especially from the sewing room project. Practically every element of the New Deal has been extensively studied. Yet there is a gap in research on the experiences of females in work relief activities. Even books written about women during the New Deal make small reference to the women's work relief program administered by Harry Hopkins and supervised by Ellen Woodward. Actually, women made substantial contributions to their communities through work relief programs. Throughout American history women have been the community builders. Women have reshaped their communities and have advocated improved welfare for all. This makes their work relief accomplishments important to history in general, and to Oklahoma history i!n particular. Indeed, women in Oklahoma and elsewhere made impressive contributions during the Depression and on other occasions. The fact that the sewing project employed over half of all women on relief roles, nationally and in Oklahoma, suggests the continual restraints placed on women. The New Deal work relief agencies succumbed to the sex-typed labor force in the private sector by relying on women's traditional skills, such as sewing, to provide women with work and wages during the Depression. So while making accomplishments in community service during the New Deal program, work relief jobs also hampered the move for economic equality.