Margaret Mead
Contents
Country
United States
Birth - Death
1901 - 1978
Occupation
Explorer
Notable Achievements
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Description
Scientist, explorer, writer, teacher, on the staff in the Department of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History from 1926 until her death, brought the serious work of anthropology into the public consciousness. Author of 23 books on the subjects of exploration and anthropology. Her research revealed that diversity in a society was of benefit to its advancement, and that traits such as racism, bigotry, and intolerance were learned and hence subject to change. President of major scientific associations, including the American Anthropological Association (1960) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1975-76), and received 28 honorary doctorates. Bisexual: though married three times, noted for her relationship with Ruth Benedict, a fellow anthropologist, which she detailed in her memoir, 'With A Daughter's Eye'. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1979.
