The Influence of Dorothea Lange on American Culture

Authors

Heather Heyman, Brigham Young University
Dr. Allen J. Christenson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Dorothea Lange, American culture, photography, migrant workers

College

Humanities

Department

Comparative Arts and Letters

Abstract

When America experienced the Great Depression during the 1930’s, a large number of people struggled to survive each day. Countless men and women were unemployed, and therefore, had no means of providing for their families. The migrant workers of the west were hit the hardest, and their former lives of simplicity became a serious fight for existence. At this same time, however, a portrait photographer in San Francisco, named Dorothea Lange, captured city conditions with her camera. Out of curiosity and boldness, Lange began to take pictures of citizens in San Francisco. These photographs documented the results of the chaotic economy. Lange soon became deeply involved in this activity. Employed by the government, she traveled to the western agricultural regions of the United States, and discovered the harsh and disturbing circumstances that the migrants faced on a daily basis.

Recommended Citation

Heyman, Heather and Christenson, Dr. Allen J. (2013) "The Influence of Dorothea Lange on American Culture," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 659.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/659