Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist, best known for her work during the Great Depression, particularly with the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Her powerful images, which captured the struggles of displaced families and migrant workers, played a significant role in raising awareness about the effects of economic hardship and helped shape public perception regarding social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lange's most famous photograph is 'Migrant Mother,' which depicts a worried mother and her children, capturing the emotional weight of poverty during the Great Depression.
2. She began her career as a portrait photographer but shifted to documentary photography when she realized the need to address social issues through her work.
3. Lange's photographs were used by the FSA to promote government programs aimed at assisting struggling farmers and families.
4. Her work has had a lasting impact on documentary photography, emphasizing the importance of empathy and storytelling in visual media.
5. In addition to her work with the FSA, Lange continued to document social issues throughout her life, including internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography impact public perception of poverty during the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photography played a crucial role in shaping public perception of poverty during the Great Depression by humanizing the struggles faced by displaced families and migrant workers. Her iconic images, such as 'Migrant Mother,' evoked empathy and brought national attention to the dire circumstances of many Americans. By capturing authentic moments of hardship, Lange's work not only raised awareness but also influenced government policies aimed at alleviating suffering.
• Evaluate the significance of the Farm Security Administration in supporting Lange's work and promoting social change through photography.
  • The Farm Security Administration was instrumental in supporting Lange's work by commissioning her to document the plight of impoverished farmers and migrant workers. Through this collaboration, Lange produced compelling photographs that illustrated the dire conditions faced by these communities. The FSA used her images to promote its initiatives aimed at alleviating rural poverty, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for social change by raising awareness and influencing public policy.
• Discuss how Dorothea Lange's approach to photography reflects broader themes in Social Realism and its relevance in today's social issues.
  • Dorothea Lange's approach to photography embodies key themes of Social Realism by focusing on the lives of marginalized communities and highlighting social injustices. Her ability to capture raw human emotion and struggle resonates with contemporary issues such as poverty, immigration, and inequality. Today, Lange's legacy continues to inspire photographers and activists who seek to document social challenges and advocate for change, underscoring the enduring relevance of her work in fostering empathy and understanding in society.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by mass unemployment, poverty, and significant hardship for millions.

Farm Security Administration (FSA): A New Deal agency established to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression by providing loans to farmers and promoting agricultural rehabilitation through photography and education.

Social Realism: An art movement that aimed to draw attention to social issues and injustices, often depicting the lives of the working class and marginalized communities.