Coming of Age in Samoa: A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilisation
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001
223
Book • Nonfiction
•
Social Science•
AnthropologySamoa • 1920s
•
Education•
Psychology2001
Adult
18+ years
Coming of Age in Samoa: A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilisation by Margaret Mead examines the lives of Samoan adolescents, emphasizing cultural influences on their development. Mead's anthropological study explores how person-first experiences and social environments shape transitions into adulthood, offering insights into cultural variation in personal growth and identity formation.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
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Margaret Mead's Coming of Age in Samoa offers a groundbreaking study on adolescence in a different cultural context, praised for its insights into cultural relativity and its challenge to Western norms. However, critiques highlight methodological flaws and question Mead's interpretations. Though influential, some argue its scientific rigor is lacking.
A reader drawn to Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead likely enjoys anthropology and cross-cultural studies. They appreciate works like The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz and Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, seeking insight into societal norms and human behavior within different cultures.
3,289 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
223
Book • Nonfiction
•
Social Science•
AnthropologySamoa • 1920s
•
Education•
Psychology2001
Adult
18+ years
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