Final answer:
Jacob Riis, through his book 'How the Other Half Lives,' used photojournalism to expose the harsh living conditions in New York City slums in the late 19th century. His work highlighted the poverty-stricken lives of the urban poor, including children, and contributed to social reform movements. Riis's storytelling and staged photographs emphasized the need for changes in housing and social policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jacob Riis was a pioneering photojournalist whose work, including his seminal book How the Other Half Lives, chronicled the stark realities of life in the late 19th century New York City slums. Through his vivid photography and storytelling, Riis exposed the dire living conditions and daily struggles faced by the urban poor, including children who were often found peddling or begging in the streets. His earnest portrayal brought the issues of poverty and social reform to the forefront of public consciousness, influencing future housing reforms and societal attitudes toward the impoverished.
Riis's photography, particularly in neighborhoods like Hell's Kitchen and the Five Points district, provided a window into the lives of individuals who were largely ignored by the affluent society of the time. Despite sometimes staging photos due to technical restrictions of the era, these images communicated the underlying truths of rampant poverty, overcrowded tenements, and the hazardous environment that burdened the working-class families. Riis's firsthand experience with poverty, combined with his journalistic skills, made him an effective advocate for the plight of these communities.Reformers like Riis hoped to stir action among the well-to-do by revealing the harsh conditions under which many lived. While some believed in self-improvement as the solution to poverty, others argued for systemic change. Riis was of the latter camp, emphasizing the need for better housing conditions and fairer laws.
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