Coming of Age in Samoa

by Mead, M.
Coming of Age in Samoa cover
Good Books rating 3.25
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 9141
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • Published: 1973-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Coming of Age in Samoa is a seminal work by Margaret Mead that explores the lives of young girls in Samoa, providing a stark contrast to the tumultuous teenage years often experienced in Western societies. Mead's research reveals a culture where adolescence is marked by ease and freedom, offering profound insights into the influence of environment and culture on human development. /n/n This book is not just a study of a different culture but also a critique of Western assumptions about adolescence. Mead's work has sparked debates and influenced generations of anthropologists and social scientists, making it a must-read for those interested in cultural anthropology and sociology.

Reviews
SoBrief · 2025-06-09
mixed 3.25

The book received mixed reviews, with some praising its groundbreaking anthropological insights and others criticizing its methodological flaws.

SoBrief's summary of the book's reception highlights the mixed reviews it has received. While some appreciate its groundbreaking anthropological insights, others criticize its methodological approach. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the field, but its flaws have been a subject of debate. The summary suggests that the book's impact is undeniable, but its accuracy and methods continue to be questioned.

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    Coming of Age in Samoa received mixed reviews, with some praising its groundbreaking anthropological insights and others criticizing its ...

    The book make an interesting study of a culture that's tucked into a corner of the planet and not all that well known.

    Mead spent several years among Samoans ...

Reddit - r/Samoa · 2023-01-01
controversial 3.00

The book has been criticized for methodological flaws and inaccuracies in its portrayal of Samoan society. However, it remains an important study of a culture that is not well known.

The discussion on Reddit highlights the controversy surrounding Margaret Mead's work. While some praise its groundbreaking insights, others point out significant flaws in its methodology and accuracy. The book is seen as a landmark study, but its portrayal of Samoan society has been questioned, making it a topic of ongoing debate. The reviewer from a Samoan background provides a unique perspective, adding depth to the discussion.

Quick quotes

    Coming from a Samoan who is also a Manuʻan (Where Margaret Mead conducted her studies), You ...

    Mead's work has been criticized for methodological flaws and inaccuracies in its portrayal of Samoan society.

    However, it remains an important study of a culture that's tucked into a corner of the planet and not all that well known.

PsycNET · D Young · 1929-01-01
mixed 3.50

The book is a significant contribution to the field of anthropology, offering valuable insights into Samoan culture. However, it has been criticized for its methodological approach.

D Young's review from 1929 provides a historical perspective on Margaret Mead's work. They acknowledge the book's importance in the field of anthropology, highlighting its valuable insights into Samoan culture. However, they also point out the methodological flaws that have been a subject of criticism. The review suggests that while the book is groundbreaking, its methods have been questioned, adding to the ongoing debate about its accuracy and relevance.

Quick quotes

    Reviews the book, Coming of Age in Samoa. A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilization by Margaret Mead.

    The book make an interesting study of a culture that's tucked into a corner of the planet and not all that well known.

    Mead spent several years among Samoans ...

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