Ruth Benedict: A Humanist in Anthropology

By weaving discussions of the personal and professional writings of Ruth Benedict (1887-1948), Margaret Mead offers a deeply insightful portrait of a woman who overcame the barriers of sexism to become one of the most compelling intellectual figures in twentieth-century American life. In this work, Mead defends Benedict's humanistic approach to anthropology and considers her most important works. Benedict's work is also presented in the context of her personal life. Benedict was a shy young woman who felt alienated from her conservative family and society's expectations. Ultimately, she defined her life through her extraordinary work in anthropology and a commitment to public service. Benedict believed that anthropology should speak to contemporary ethical and political questions. In addition to a selection of Benedict's anthropological writings, this edition includes new forewords by two leading Benedict scholars.


About the Author
Margaret Mead was one of the most influential anthropologists of the twentieth century. She was the author of Coming of Age in Samoa, among other works.Lois Banner is professor of history and gender studies at the University of Southern California. Her works include Intertwined Lives: Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and Their Circle.Nancy Lutkehaus is an associate professor of anthropology and chair of the Gender Studies Program at the University of Southern California. She is author of Zaria's Fire: Engendered Moments in Manam Ethnography, Papua New Guinea, as well as work about Margaret Mead.