Role of documentary photography in social change

Abstract

Documentary photography plays a crucial role in raising awareness about human suffering around the world. For over a century, humanitarians and their organizations have used documentary photography to raise awareness, and push for social change to alleviate human suffering. When considered through framing and agenda setting theories, documentary photography can prove a powerful tool in bringing out perceptual changes. When viewed through the self- reflexive lens of Orientalism, it can prove as much a tool of the colonizer as it can be a reflection of the colonized. But, as far as its role in provoking social change is concerned, it will depend in great part upon the intent and agenda of the photographer This essay will take framing, agenda setting, and Edward Said’s work on Orientalism into account, to analyze the role of documentary photography in social change, through two historical case studies and one contemporary example. The influence may not necessarily be political but can be subtle and persuasive, or it can be confrontational. The analysis is facilitated by the thorough investigation into two major events in history; the work of documentary photographers in The Congo Reform and secondly, the work of documentary photographer Lewis Hine on child labor in America. The contemporary aspect, ie, documentary photography in the modern day, will be reflected in a study of the work of documentary photographers on the garment industry in Dhaka — in particular, during the aftermath of the Rana plaza tragedy in 2013. While trying to help disaster victims, and raise awareness among thepublic, photographers wielded the camera to bring about a social change in both these events. This essay reflects on what kind of impact the art of documentary has on social change