Studying Contemporary Western Society: Method and Theory

Description

Few anthropologists today realize the pioneering role Margaret Mead played in the investigation of contemporary cultures. This volume collects and presents a variety of her essays on research methodology relating to contemporary culture. Many of these essays were printed originally in limited circulation journals, research reports and books edited by others. They reflect Mead's continuing commitment to searching out methods for studying and extending the anthropologist's tools of investigation for use in complex societies. Essays on American and European societies, intergenerational relations, architecture and social space, industrialization, and interracial relations are included in this varied and exciting collection. Contents Series Preface • William O. Beeman Introduction: Margaret Mead: America’s Premier Analyst • William O. Beeman Part One: ANTHROPOLOGY AS A DISCIPLINE Towards a Human Science Talks with Social Scientists: Margaret Mead on what is a culture? what is a civilization? Anthropologist and Historian: Their Common Problems Changing Styles of Anthropological Work Part Two: SOCIAL THEORY IN THE STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY CULTURE Methodology in Racial Testing: Its Significance for Sociology The Study of National Character The Swaddling Hypothesis: iIs Reception Some Cultural Approaches to Communication Problems A Case History in Cross-National Communications Adolescence in Primitive and Modern Society: The New Generation Our Educational Emphasis in Primitive Perspectives Early Childhood Experience and Later Education in Complex Cultures Part Three: PERSPECTIVES ON CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY From Plight to Power: Youth as a Political and Economic Force Religion in the Melting Pot: Religion and our Racial Tensions The Contemporary American Family as an Anthropologist Sees It Sex and Censorship in Contemporary Society Sexual Behavior: An Anthropologist looks at the [Kinsey] Report Jealousy: Primitive and Civilized