Chicago Wage Maps

These thematic maps show the distribution of nationalities and wages in Chicago slums in 1895. These maps were designed by Florence Kelley for the Hull House Maps and Papers publication which helped enact positive changes for labor and housing rights. Data visualization like this helps abstract problems, like wage gaps, become more tangible and therefore more likely to receive attention and action. 

Florence Kelley, like many other women involved in social reform movements, used data visualization to support their causes and encourage government agencies (in this case Bureau of Labour) to acknowledge the problem and enact change. In this instance her use of color to reflect density and income was particularly useful as it helped show the correlation between race, ethnicity, language skills, and wages.