Migrant Mother

Definition

Migrant Mother is an iconic photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936, depicting Florence Owens Thompson and her children during the Great Depression. This powerful image captures the essence of struggle, resilience, and the dire conditions faced by many American families, making it a significant representation of the hardships during this time period and demonstrating how photography can evoke strong emotional responses and influence public opinion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The photograph of Migrant Mother was taken in Nipomo, California, and became a symbol of the suffering endured by migrant workers during the Great Depression.
2. Lange's photograph was originally intended for a government documentary project to illustrate the impact of economic distress on American families.
3. Migrant Mother was published widely in magazines and newspapers, helping to raise awareness about poverty and influence government aid policies.
4. The image was so impactful that it is still referenced today in discussions about social issues and the power of photography in journalism.
5. Migrant Mother has been preserved in various forms and continues to be analyzed for its artistic merit as well as its social implications.

Review Questions

• How does the photograph Migrant Mother illustrate the broader social issues faced by families during the Great Depression?
  • Migrant Mother captures the struggles of a mother trying to care for her children amidst economic despair, highlighting themes of poverty, resilience, and hope. The expression on Florence Owens Thompson's face conveys both desperation and determination, making it relatable to many who experienced similar hardships during this time. This photograph not only tells the story of one family but serves as a representation of countless others affected by the Great Depression.
• What role did Dorothea Lange play in shaping public perception through her work with Migrant Mother and other photographs?
  • Dorothea Lange was instrumental in using her photography to shape public perception about the realities of life during the Great Depression. Through Migrant Mother, she effectively conveyed powerful emotions and human stories that resonated with viewers, prompting empathy and action. Her work helped humanize the statistics surrounding poverty and showcased the need for government intervention and support for struggling families.
• Evaluate the impact of Migrant Mother on contemporary journalism practices and how it has influenced modern approaches to documentary photography.
  • Migrant Mother has had a lasting impact on contemporary journalism by illustrating how powerful imagery can evoke emotional responses and shape public discourse. The photograph set a precedent for using documentary photography as a tool for social change, encouraging journalists to focus not just on events but also on the human experiences behind those events. This approach has influenced modern documentary practices by emphasizing storytelling through visuals and fostering a deeper connection between subjects and audiences.

Related terms

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

Documentary Photography: A style of photography that aims to chronicle significant and historical events or everyday life, often used to raise awareness or promote social change.

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