Ruth Benedict: A Humanist in Anthropology

Mead also presents Benedict's work in the context of her personal struggles. Benedict was a shy young woman, who felt alienated from the expectations of her conservative family and early twentieth-century American society. Ultimately, Benedict came to define her life through her extraordinary work in anthropology and a passionate belief that the discipline should speak to contemporary ethical and political questions. She was a staunch defender of intellectual freedom, an antifascist activist in the 1930s, and an analyst of culture in the Office of War Information during World War II.

This edition includes new forewords by two leading Benedict scholars, which address the relationship between Mead and Benedict and their place in contemporary anthropology.

By weaving discussions of the personal and professional writings of Ruth Benedict, Margaret Mead presents the anthropologist's work in the context of her life and times. Mead also defends Benedict's humanistic approach to anthropology as she considers considers her most important works. In addition to a selection of Benedict's anthropological writings, this edition includes new forewords by two leading Benedict scholars.

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.