Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist best known for her powerful images capturing the plight of displaced farmers during the Great Depression. Her work emphasizes visual storytelling, utilizing photography as a means to document and evoke empathy for social issues, making her a vital figure in the narrative of American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dorothea Lange's most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' depicts a struggling mother and her children, capturing the essence of despair and resilience during the Great Depression.
2. Lange's work was initially used by the FSA to highlight the struggles of farmers and rural communities, aiming to garner support for governmental aid programs.
3. Her photography was characterized by a deep sense of empathy, focusing on the human experience rather than just documenting events or situations.
4. Lange's images not only provided a visual representation of hardship but also played a critical role in influencing public opinion and government policy during the 1930s.
5. Her legacy continues to inspire modern photographers and activists who aim to use visual storytelling to bring awareness to social justice issues.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photographs serve as a tool for social change during the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photographs acted as powerful tools for social change by highlighting the dire conditions faced by displaced families during the Great Depression. Her striking images captured emotional truths that resonated with viewers, encouraging empathy and action. Through her work with the FSA, Lange not only documented suffering but also aimed to influence public opinion, advocating for government intervention and support for struggling communities.
• Analyze how Lange's work with the FSA shaped the perception of poverty in America during the 1930s.
  • Lange's work with the FSA significantly shaped perceptions of poverty in America by providing an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those affected by economic hardship. Her photographs portrayed individuals with dignity and humanity, countering stereotypes about poverty. By showcasing their struggles and resilience, Lange helped foster a deeper understanding among the public about the complexities of poverty and its impact on everyday people.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Dorothea Lange's photography on contemporary visual storytelling and social justice movements.
  • Dorothea Lange's photography has had a lasting impact on contemporary visual storytelling and social justice movements by setting a precedent for using images as tools for advocacy. Her emphasis on empathy in visual narratives has inspired countless photographers and artists to engage with social issues authentically. Today, her legacy is evident in how modern movements leverage visual media to raise awareness about inequality, human rights, and environmental challenges, emphasizing the power of imagery in fostering change.

Related terms

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A New Deal agency created to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression, which employed Lange and other photographers to document the lives of struggling farmers.

Photojournalism: A form of journalism that uses photography to tell news stories and convey information, often focusing on social issues and human experiences.

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship, particularly in rural America.