Margaret Mead Research Paper

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world” (The Institute for Intercultural Studies). This inspiring quote from Margaret Mead explains how important human beings' lives were to her. She had immense respect and a great amount of faith in the lives of others. Mead was an anthropologist who believed in woman’s rights, along with the belief that gender roles differed from society to society. According to Dictionary.com, an anthropologist is the “ one who studies humankind.” This is exactly what Mead focused on. She spent countless hours working on her research along with being an inspirational mentor to several. Mead taught at a “number of institutions, but her long term professional base was at …show more content…
Margaret Mead was the oldest of four children growing up in a house “full of social scientist” (The Institute for Intercultural Studies). As stated by Dictionary.com, a social scientist is one who “studies society and social behavior.” A social scientist is similar to an anthropologist. “Her father, Edward Sherwood Mead, was a professor at the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce and the founder of the University of Pennsylvania's evening school. Her mother, Emily Fogg Mead, was a Sociologist and an early supporter of women's rights”(World Biography). By knowing this, both her parent’s professions had a significant influence on Margaret Mead’s career choice. “Mead’s childhood school days were unusual in that she only attended one year of half days in the fourth grade and six total years at various high schools” (World Biography). Even with her unique educational experience, Mead was able to attend and excel in …show more content…
As Andrew Whiteford quoted, “Maggie was a short little lady with immense courage-a first of a kind-took nothing for granted and wrote copiously of her field experience. She could be disarmingly friendly one minute and put you in your place the next” (Margaret Mead). This strong quote shows how strong and powerful of a leader Mead was. She was not afraid to speak her mind, even if that meant some people disagree and look down on her work and thoughts. Even though some thought that Mead’s work was controversial, she did not let that stop her leadership and focus on helping others. The governor of Florida called her a “dirty old lady” (Flaherty, T.). I think that is awful considering all the work and good she contributed to the world. Just because she supported woman’s rights, does not mean she is a “dirty old lady”. “As an anthropologist, Mead had been trained to think in terms of the interconnection of all aspects of human life” (The Institute for Intercultural Studies). Mead knew that, as a woman in her time, she must take control and push for woman’s rights. She did not want anyone to believe that women are not equal to men, and I agree with her. Another leadership role Mead took on were being on the board of directors of the YMCA. Mead did not want to be recognized as a feminist, and she kept her maiden named when she married (Flaherty,