Migrant mother

Definition

The term 'migrant mother' refers to an iconic photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936, depicting a destitute mother and her children during the Great Depression. This powerful image symbolizes the struggles faced by displaced families as they sought work and stability, representing the human cost of economic hardship and the resilience of those affected. The photograph has become a central piece in the realm of documentary urban photography, showcasing the impact of poverty on individuals and families in urban settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'migrant mother' photograph features Florence Owens Thompson and her three children, capturing their dire situation as they lived in a pea-pickers' camp in California.
2. This photograph was originally taken as part of a FSA project aimed at documenting the lives of impoverished farmers and migrant workers during the Great Depression.
3. Lange's 'migrant mother' not only highlighted the struggles of a single family but also became a symbol of hope and resilience for many Americans facing similar hardships.
4. The image played a significant role in shaping public opinion about the need for government assistance during economic crises, contributing to efforts for social reform.
5. The 'migrant mother' has influenced countless artists and photographers, becoming a benchmark for documentary photography due to its emotional impact and storytelling power.

Review Questions

• How does the 'migrant mother' photograph encapsulate the experiences of displaced families during the Great Depression?
  • 'Migrant mother' captures the essence of despair and resilience faced by many displaced families during the Great Depression. The image conveys not just poverty but also maternal strength, as Florence Owens Thompson is depicted with her children in a moment of vulnerability. This representation allows viewers to connect emotionally with their plight, highlighting how widespread economic turmoil affected family structures and relationships.
• In what ways did Dorothea Lange's work with the FSA contribute to changing perceptions about poverty in America?
  • 'Migrant mother' was part of Lange's broader work with the FSA, which aimed to document and raise awareness about the conditions faced by impoverished Americans. By capturing stark images of hardship, Lange humanized the statistics related to poverty, making them relatable to the general public. This shift in perception helped garner support for government programs aimed at alleviating suffering during the Great Depression.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the 'migrant mother' photograph on contemporary views of documentary urban photography.
  • 'Migrant mother' continues to resonate in contemporary discussions surrounding documentary urban photography, serving as a critical reference point for artists examining social issues. Its enduring emotional weight challenges photographers today to capture authentic narratives that reflect societal struggles. This photograph illustrates how documentary work can influence public policy and empathy towards marginalized communities, establishing a framework for future artists to follow when addressing pressing social matters.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, characterized by widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic instability.

Documentary Photography: A genre of photography that aims to capture real-life events and social issues, often focusing on human suffering, resilience, and everyday life.

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A New Deal agency created in 1937 to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression, which commissioned photographers like Dorothea Lange to document the lives of struggling families.