Jacob Riis

Definition

Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist and social documentary photographer known for his dedication to using his photographic skills to help the impoverished in New York City during the late 19th century.

Related terms

Tenement: A type of building shared by multiple dwellings, typically in the form of apartments that are rented to tenants. These were common in urban areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Social Reform: This is a kind of movement aiming to make gradual change, or change in certain aspects of society, rather than rapid or fundamental changes.

Urbanization: The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.