Lewis Hine S Child Labor Photographs A Critical Analysis

Essay from the year 2014 in the subject American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1,3, Free University of Berlin (John F. Kennedy Institue for North American Studies), course: Art and Radicalism in the United States, c. 1901-1929, language: English, abstract: Much like the polarizing discussions around finding and displaying truth in photographic meaning, social documentarian Lewis Hine’s child labor photographs have attracted their share of heterogeneous interpretations. While his original intention of pursuing social change and having his photographic work act as a “lever for social uplift” (Hine, 111) is not denied altogether, some scholars have questioned this work as actually supportive to an ideology reproducing the class system that it set out to alter.This essay looks at a multitude of perspectives on Hine’s work, specifically focusing on one representative image of his work for the National Child Labor Committee during the Progressive Era, comparing the author's own analysis with interpretations of Alan Trachtenberg, Maren Stange and James Guimond among others to reassess questions of aesthetic and moral value in a representative photograph of the NCLC period.

A documentary account of child labor in America during the early 1900s and the role Lewis Hine played in the crusade against it.

This poetic and beautiful picture book chronicles the travels of Lewis Hine, who used his camera to document child labor in the early twentieth century. Stunning visuals and poetic text combine to tell the inspiring story of Lewis Hine (1874–1940), a teacher and photographer who employed his art as a tool for social reform. Working for the National Child Labor Committee, Hine traveled the United States, taking pictures of children as young as five toiling under dangerous conditions in cotton mills, seafood canneries, farms, and coal mines. He often wore disguises to sneak into factories, impersonating a machinery inspector or traveling salesman. He said, “If I could tell this story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug a camera.” His poignant pictures attracted national attention and were instrumental in the passage of child labor laws. The Traveling Camera contains extensive back matter, including a time line, original photos, and a bibliography. Ages six to nine.

Lewis Hine in New England -- Street trades -- Textiles -- Exhibiting child labor -- Sardines -- Farm and seasonal labor -- Exhibiting child welfare -- Homework -- Working-class communities -- Trades and vocational education