Questions and Answers
Where did Mead's ethnographic fieldwork take place?
Three little villages on the coast of the little island of Tau, in the Manu'a Archipelago in Samoa, a South Sea island about thirteen degrees from the Equator.
Who did Mead study?
The girls of the community.
What was Mead looking for in terms of anthropological concepts?
The interplay between endowment and cultural style.
When did her ethnography take place?
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Why is the timing or context important to the ethnography?
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Who did Mead aim to write her ethnography for?
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What is the author's positionality (P in claP)?
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What beliefs did Mead hold that might have affected her ethnography?
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What are the main concepts in the ethnography?
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What is the Aumaga?
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Who gives disciplinary authority within the household?
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What is the matai?
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What is the taupo?
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What do relatives of the opposite sex have?
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A Samoan village is made up of?
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Study Notes
Ethnographic Fieldwork
- Conducted in three villages on Tau, part of the Manu'a Archipelago, located about thirteen degrees from the Equator in Samoa.
Subjects of Study
- Focused on adolescent girls, spending extensive time with them, studying households, games, and daily life to minimize cultural differences.
Anthropological Focus
- Investigated the relationship between cultural influences and adolescent behavior, questioning whether issues in adolescence stem from inherent nature or societal conditions.
Timeframe of Study
- Ethnographic research conducted from 1926 to 1928, a significant period for cultural studies.
Importance of Timing and Context
- Concept of culture was relatively new in the early 20th century. This research helped to challenge previously held notions that behavior was primarily influenced by race or instinct.
Intended Audience
- Aimed at educators and parents to provide insight into adolescent experiences and promote the idea that adolescence could be less stressful and more fulfilling in different cultural contexts.
Author's Positionality
- Mead, a young female ethnologist, sought to work closely with girls, noting the limited understanding of female experiences in comparative anthropology.
Underlying Beliefs Influencing Ethnography
- Believed that an individual’s character and well-being are heavily influenced by cultural learning and social structures, emphasizing the need for societal change to prevent negative outcomes for youth.
Core Concepts Explored
- Key themes included ritual, age, gender, kinship, and social organization, highlighting the interplay of these elements in Samoan society.
Aumaga
- A collective of young men and chiefs responsible for governing the village, exemplifying the hierarchical social structure.
Disciplinary Authority
- Authority within households is determined by age rather than familial relationships, reflecting the societal value placed on age hierarchy.
Matai
- A headman with nominal and real authority over household members, showcasing the central role of leadership in Samoan social organization.
Taupo
- The ceremonial princess of the household, appointed by a high chief at around fifteen or sixteen years old, indicative of social roles assigned to youth.
Gender Etiquette
- Strict codes of interaction exist between opposite sexes from a young age, prohibiting physical contact and familiarity, reinforcing social norms surrounding gender relations.
Structure of Villages
- A typical Samoan village comprises approximately thirty to forty households, illustrating the communal nature of Samoan society.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Margaret Mead's seminal work, 'Coming of Age in Samoa'. This flashcard quiz includes key concepts, quotes, and focuses on Mead's ethnographic study of Samoan girls and their communities. Perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of cultural anthropology.
