Margaret Mead was an American cultural anthropologist, frequently featured in mass media as a popularizer of anthropological insights for modern Western life. She was a champion of broadened sexual mores within the context of Western religious life. Her reports on the purportedly healthy attitude towards sex in traditional South Pacific and Southeast Asian cultures significantly informed the '60s "sexual revolution." Though a respected academic, her work was eventually, and controversially, challenged.
The book details Margaret Mead's eight-month study of the Mountain Arapesh people in Papua New Guinea during 1931-1932. It explores their unique culture characterized by simplicity, sensitivity, and a strong sense of cooperation among community members. Mead's observations provide valuable insights into the social dynamics and values of the Arapesh, highlighting their distinct way of life in contrast to Western norms.
Based on Mead's groundbreaking field research, this classic work examines the social dynamics of primitive societies. From the rituals of the Kwakiutl to the complex kinship networks of the Arapesh, Mead provides a fascinating and nuanced analysis of how cooperation and competition shape human societies.
The collection showcases Margaret Mead's correspondence over fifty years, offering insights into her groundbreaking anthropological work in Samoa, New Guinea, the Admiralty Islands, and Bali. These letters, enriched with photographs, reveal her deep passion for preliterate cultures, blending intelligence, humor, and poetry. They serve not only as a personal narrative but also as a significant contribution to the understanding of anthropology as both a science and an art. This edition commemorates Mead's centennial, featuring introductions by Jan Morris and her daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson.
The centennial edition of New Lives for Old includes insightful introductions by Stewart Brand and Mary Catherine Bateson, the daughter of the author. This edition highlights the enduring relevance of Mead's work, offering fresh perspectives on her contributions to anthropology and culture, as well as the evolution of her ideas over the past century.
This collection focuses on republishing classic works from the early 1900s and earlier, which have become rare and costly. The editions aim to provide affordable, high-quality reproductions that preserve the original text and artwork, making these timeless pieces accessible to a new generation of readers.
Focusing on cultural relativism, this collection of essays offers a framework for future ethnological surveys in anthropology. It aims to deepen understanding and provide a basis for planning research within contemporary society. The assembled statements serve as a guide for scholars looking to explore and analyze cultural contexts more effectively.
Born in the first year of the 20th century, it is fitting that Margaret Mead should have been one of the first anthropologists to use anthropological analysis to study the future course of human civilization. This volume collects her writings on the future of humanity and how humans can shape that future through purposeful action.
Margaret Mead's exploration of the Manus people in New Guinea reveals their family dynamics, views on sex, marriage, child-rearing, and spirituality during a transformative period in 1928. Living in a remote fishing village, she documented a culture untouched by modern influences, drawing parallels to contemporary Western society. This reissue, celebrating her centennial, includes introductions by Howard Gardner and her daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson, highlighting its significant anthropological contributions and the vivid portrayal of a lost way of life.
Exploring French culture through a social science lens, this study by Margaret Mead and Rhoda Métraux stands out for its depth and breadth. Originating from a Columbia University project in 1954, it offers a rare American perspective on contemporary French life. The collaboration highlights significant themes and insights, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of French society.