Paul Shankman Knihy

The book explores the controversy surrounding Margaret Mead's 1928 study of adolescent girls in Samoa, which initially established her as a prominent anthropologist. It delves into Derek Freeman's 1983 critique, which challenged Mead's findings and questioned her credibility, arguing that she was misled by her subjects. This debate reflects broader societal issues of the 1980s, such as sexual norms and the nature versus nurture discussion, and gained significant media attention, influencing public perception of cultural studies.

Tracing Mead's career as an ethnographer, as the early voice of public anthropology, and as a public figure, this elegantly written biography links the professional and personal sides of her career. This short volume is an ideal starting point for anyone wanting to learn about, arguably, the most famous anthropologist of the twentieth century.