Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was a renowned American documentary photographer and photojournalist best known for her iconic images during the Great Depression. Her work captured the struggles of marginalized communities, particularly migrant workers and families, which played a significant role in raising awareness about the economic hardships of the time and influencing public policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dorothea Lange's work with the FSA began in 1935, where she documented the struggles of displaced farmers during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.
2. Her photographs, particularly 'Migrant Mother', became iconic representations of the economic struggles faced by many Americans, bringing national attention to their plight.
3. Lange's approach combined artistry with advocacy, using her photography as a tool for social change and influencing public sentiment towards economic reform.
4. She continued to document social issues throughout her life, including Japanese internment during World War II, further highlighting her commitment to social justice.
5. Lange's legacy endures in contemporary discussions about photography's role in activism and the ethical responsibilities of photographers when portraying vulnerable communities.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography influence public perception of the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photography had a profound impact on public perception of the Great Depression by showcasing the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups. Her iconic image 'Migrant Mother' humanized the struggles of impoverished families, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with their plight. This emotional connection spurred greater awareness and empathy, leading to increased support for New Deal policies aimed at alleviating economic hardship.
• Discuss how Lange's work reflects broader social and cultural responses to economic hardship during her time.
  • Lange's work exemplifies broader social and cultural responses to economic hardship through its focus on documenting the human experience amid adversity. By capturing the dignity and resilience of individuals facing poverty, her photographs not only raised awareness but also mobilized support for relief efforts. Her images contributed to a cultural narrative that emphasized empathy and action in response to economic challenges, helping shape public discourse around social justice.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of Dorothea Lange's documentary photography, especially regarding her portrayal of vulnerable populations.
  • Evaluating the ethical implications of Dorothea Lange's documentary photography reveals a complex balance between artistic expression and social responsibility. While her work brought critical issues to light, it also raised questions about exploitation and representation of vulnerable populations. Lange's commitment to portraying truth authentically aimed to empower those she photographed; however, it necessitates ongoing discussions about consent, context, and the potential consequences of such portrayals in advocating for social change.

Related terms

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A New Deal agency that aimed to combat rural poverty in the United States, which employed Lange to document the lives of struggling farmers and sharecroppers.

Migrant Mother: Lange's most famous photograph, depicting a destitute mother with her children during the Great Depression, symbolizing the plight of many American families.

Documentary Photography: A genre of photography that aims to chronicle events, environments, and cultures in a truthful and objective manner, often used to raise social awareness.