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The Changing Role of the First Ladies

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The Changing Role of the First Ladies
First lady is the unofficial title bestowed upon the wife of the president of the United States. The role of the president of the United States originated with George Washington and so did the role of the first lady. During these times, the roles of women were usually limited to being homemakers and hostesses. Women did not work outside the home and often were not seen as equals to men. Therefore, the first lady’s duties at that time consisted of hosting social events and keeping the house in which the president lived in order. Through the passage of time, the role of women has undergone a metamorphosis. Women are now on a more level playing field with men and often hold powerful positions in the workforce. With this change, the role of the first lady has evolved. The “first lady, meaning the role of the wife of the president, has changed significantly over time. It wasn’t until 1877 that the term ‘First Lady’ was coined. It was first bestowed upon Lucy Hayes, and since then it has stuck” (First Ladies-New World). The first lady is not an elected position so no official duties are appointed to them, and unlike their husband do not receive yearly benefits or payments. However, presently the first lady plays an active role throughout their husband’s presidency by participating in charitable and humanitarian causes that they are interested in.
Initially, when the presidency of the United States originated, the position of the first lady was not as developed as it is today. The First Lady at the time was Martha Washington. Though she had a good name in the eyes of the public and did no wrong, she wasn’t seen as anything more than a hostess offering warm hospitality. Martha Washington, at this time, was very good friends with the Vice President’s wife who we would eventually see as first lady. Abigail Adams she, like Martha Washington, valued entertainment and continued the formal pattern of entertaining throughout her husband’s term as President (Martha).


Cited: • "Anna Eleanor Roosevelt." The White House. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. . • "Betty Ford." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2000. Gale U.S. History In Context • "Clinton, Hillary Rodham (1947-)." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Detroit: Gale, 1998 History In Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. • "Laura Welch Bush." The White House. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. . • "Martha Dandridge Custis Washington." The White House. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. . • "Michelle Obama." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 61. Detroit: Gale, 2007. Gale U.S • "Michelle Obama." The White House. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. . • Ragone, Nick. "The First Lady - American Government." Netplaces. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .
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