Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was an influential American photographer and photojournalist, best known for her work during the Great Depression. Her iconic images, particularly those taken for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), captured the struggles of displaced farmers and families, shaping public perception and policy. Lange's work exemplifies the power of visual storytelling in journalism, emphasizing empathy and social justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lange's most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' depicts a weary mother with her children, symbolizing the suffering endured by many during the Great Depression.
2. Her work not only documented social issues but also influenced government policy by bringing attention to the plight of impoverished families.
3. Lange's photographs were widely published in newspapers and magazines, helping to raise awareness and garner support for New Deal programs.
4. She faced challenges as a female photographer in a male-dominated field but became a trailblazer for women in photography and journalism.
5. In addition to her FSA work, Lange documented Japanese American internment during World War II, highlighting civil rights violations.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography influence public perception during the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photography profoundly influenced public perception during the Great Depression by humanizing the struggles of displaced families and farmers. Her images, particularly 'Migrant Mother,' evoked strong emotions and brought attention to the hardships faced by many Americans. This emotional resonance helped to mobilize public support for government programs aimed at alleviating poverty and improving living conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of Lange's work on the Farm Security Administration and its role in addressing rural poverty.
  • Lange's work with the Farm Security Administration had a significant impact on how rural poverty was portrayed and understood in America. Her striking photographs provided visual evidence of the challenges faced by struggling farmers, which helped to legitimize FSA initiatives aimed at providing relief. By documenting these hardships, Lange not only informed the public but also encouraged policy changes that sought to improve conditions for rural communities.
• Discuss how Lange's legacy continues to influence modern journalism and photography in terms of social issues.
  • Dorothea Lange's legacy continues to influence modern journalism and photography by emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling in highlighting social issues. Her ability to capture raw emotion and human experiences has inspired countless photographers and journalists to approach their work with empathy and a focus on social justice. Today, Lange's techniques are mirrored in documentary photography and reporting that seeks to illuminate marginalized voices and advocate for change, reflecting her enduring impact on the field.

Related terms

Photojournalism: A form of journalism that uses photographs to tell news stories, often focusing on capturing candid moments that convey emotion and context.

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

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