The Fifty-Four-Hour Bill and Social Work’s Alternative Professionalization

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Perkins’s central role in passing the Fifty-Four Hour Bill while working for the Consumers League and her two notable achievements while there. Her influence is shown through her work with Senator McManus on the bill, and the chapter outlines her determination to help the needy through such work. Her alliance with Tammany Hall illustrates her pragmatism and ability to achieve the ends of social work while also aiding Tammany. Through working with government, Perkins resists a growing conservative trend within the social work profession.