Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead was an American anthropologist. She was born in Philadelphia in 1901. She studied cultures in the Pacific Islands and wrote about them for everyday readers. She helped people understand that different cultures have different but equally valid ways of living.

Early Life

Mead grew up in a family of academics. Her grandmother, a child psychologist, influenced her greatly. She studied anthropology at Columbia University. She traveled to Samoa at age 23 to study how teenagers live in different cultures.

Big Achievements

Mead wrote Coming of Age in Samoa, which became a best-seller. She studied cultures in Papua New Guinea and Bali. She showed that many behaviors people thought were natural are actually shaped by culture. She became one of the most famous scientists in America.

Fun Facts

• Mead traveled to Samoa at age 23 to study teenagers.
• She appeared on magazine covers and became a public celebrity.
• She was one of the first scientists to study gender roles across cultures.

Did You Know?

Mead once said, 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' This quote is one of the most shared in the world.