Margaret Mead

Date of Birth: December 16, 1901

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: November 15, 1978

Biography

Margaret Mead was an influential American cultural anthropologist who became one of the most renowned and often controversial scientists of the 20th century. She was born on December 16, 1901, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and passed away on November 15, 1978, in New York City. Mead’s pioneering work in anthropology began when she conducted fieldwork in Samoa in the 1920s. Her book “Coming of Age in Samoa” published in 1928, challenged Western perceptions of adolescence and sexuality, making her a household name and sparking debates that would last for decades. Mead earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College in 1923 and her PhD from Columbia University in 1929, where she studied under Franz Boas and Ruth Benedict, who were both significant figures in anthropology. Over her career, she published numerous books and articles, conducted extensive fieldwork in the South Pacific, and worked as a curator at the American Museum of Natural History. She was not only a prolific writer and researcher but also an active public intellectual who addressed contemporary social issues, including women’s rights, childrearing practices, and the implications of cultural and technological changes. Mead’s work laid the groundwork for future anthropological studies and emphasized the importance of understanding cultural diversity.

5 Interesting Facts about Margaret Mead

1. Margaret Mead’s first fieldwork in Samoa began when she was just 23 years old.

2. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was one of the earliest anthropologists to study gender roles in different cultures.

3. Mead was elected as the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1975.

4. Her book “Coming of Age in Samoa” became a bestseller and remains one of the most widely read books in anthropology.

5. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Margaret Mead

1. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

2. “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

3. “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”

4. “We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.”

5. “I was wise enough to never grow up while fooling most people into believing I had.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Margaret Mead’s net worth was not a commonly discussed topic, but as a prominent academic and author, her influence and legacy far exceeded financial measures. Estimates of her highest net worth are not documented.

Children

Margaret Mead had one daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson, born in 1939. Mary Catherine Bateson followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a noted anthropologist and author.