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Lewis Hine

Definition

Lewis Hine was an American sociologist and photographer, who used his camera as a tool for social reform. His photographs were instrumental in changing child labor laws in the United States.

Analogy

Think of Lewis Hine as the Instagram influencer of his time. Instead of promoting products or lifestyles, he used his platform (his camera) to expose harsh realities and advocate for change.

Related terms

Child Labor: This refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.

Sociology: The study of human behavior within society. It examines our social institutions—the structures that govern our behavior—and how those structures affect individuals' lives.

Social Reform: A movement that seeks to change some aspect of society. It's like updating your phone's software; there are bugs or issues in the system that need fixing for it to run smoothly.