Margaret Mead: Exploring the Influence of Culture

Summary

Margaret Mead, born in 1901, was a pioneering anthropologist who revolutionized the understanding of culture's impact on human behavior. Her fieldwork in Samoa and New Guinea debunked stereotypes and highlighted the cultural determinants of gender roles and adolescent development. Mead's influential books, such as 'Coming of Age in Samoa' and 'Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies,' challenged American norms and prejudices. Despite controversy, her work advanced anthropology and societal views, promoting cultural appreciation and change.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Margaret Mead was a pioneering anthropologist who emphasized the importance of understanding other cultures to understand one's own.
• 👶 Born in 1901, Mead's interest in anthropology began at a young age, influenced by her progressive, social scientist parents.
• 🎓 She studied at Barnard and Columbia Universities, where she was influenced by anthropologist Franz Boas and pursued a PhD in anthropology.
• 🌐 Mead's research in the South Pacific, particularly in American Samoa, challenged the idea that human behavior is primarily biologically determined.
• 📚 Her book 'Coming of Age in Samoa' described her findings and became a popular read, influencing American perspectives on adolescence.
• 🧒 Mead's studies in New Guinea refuted the idea of animism as a universal developmental stage and argued against the notion of 'primitive' societies being childlike.
• 🏞️ Her work in Bali introduced the concept of visual anthropology, using photographs and film to document cultural rituals and interactions.
• 🌍 During World War II, Mead contributed to the war effort by researching topics like food distribution and morale.
• 📈 Mead's research suggested that gender roles are largely culturally determined, contradicting the American view of the time that women were biologically inferior.
• 🏆 Despite controversy and criticism, Mead's work had a significant impact on society, promoting the idea that culture and societal norms can change.
• 💡 Mead's message emphasized the importance of cultural appreciation and the potential for societal improvement, influencing modern anthropology and social issues.

Q & A

Who is Margaret Mead and what is her significance?

Margaret Mead was an American cultural anthropologist who played a significant role in shaping modern anthropology. She is known for her research on the impact of culture on human behavior and her exploration of societies in the South Pacific.

What was Margaret Mead's early life like?

Margaret Mead was born in Philadelphia on December 16th, 1901, to progressive social scientist parents. Her curiosity was sparked through her mother's studies, and she was an observant child who kept journals documenting her life.

What educational path did Margaret Mead take?

Mead attended Depauw University for a year, then transferred to Barnard, where she received her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1920. She later obtained her master's degree in Psychology from Columbia University and decided to pursue a PhD in anthropology under the influence of Franz Boas.

What was the main focus of Mead's research in American Samoa?

Mead's research in American Samoa focused on whether human behavior was primarily biologically or culturally induced, with a particular emphasis on adolescent girls and their transition into adulthood.

What were the key findings from her research in Samoa?

Mead found that Samoan adolescents had an easier transition into adulthood due to a more open and carefree society. She concluded that the cultural norms in America were negatively impacting the development of American teens.

What was the title of the book Margaret Mead published about her Samoan research?

Margaret Mead published 'Coming of Age in Samoa' in 1928, which detailed her research and conclusions about adolescence.

What was the subject of Mead's field study in New Guinea?

In New Guinea, Mead studied children in pre-literate cultures to determine whether their development depended on their environment, collecting over 35,000 drawings made by the children.

How did Mead's research in New Guinea challenge existing anthropological theories?

Mead's research refuted the idea that animism is a universal developmental stage and argued against the notion that primitive societies are more childlike, showing that such characteristics are culturally dependent.

What did Margaret Mead discover about gender roles in her study of three tribes in New Guinea?

Mead found that gender roles were largely culturally determined, as the Arapesh tribe exhibited peaceful behavior in both men and women, the Mamore tribe showed aggressive behavior in both genders, and the Chuli tribe had women as the dominant gender.

What was the title of the book that described Mead's study on gender roles in three tribes?

Mead's book 'Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies,' published in 1935, described her study on gender roles.

How did Margaret Mead's work contribute to the understanding of culture's effect on personality?

Mead's work, particularly her study in Bali, compiled extensive visual materials to demonstrate the culture, rituals, and interactions, introducing the concept of visual anthropology and showing the profound impact of culture on personality.

What was Margaret Mead's stance on the changeability of culture and societal norms?

Mead believed that culture and societal norms could be changed, offering hope during a period when many had given up on the possibility of societal change.

How has Margaret Mead's work been criticized and what was the controversy surrounding her?

Mead's work was controversial, with critics like Derek Freeman challenging the accuracy of her observations and conclusions, particularly regarding her research in Samoa. Critics argued her conclusions were drawn from limited evidence to support her points.

What is Margaret Mead's legacy in anthropology and society?

Margaret Mead's legacy includes her novel research methods, such as photographic analysis, and her contention that traits are culturally inherited. She is considered a leader in feminist and sexuality movements and has had a lasting impact on American viewpoints and the study of anthropology.