Anthropology question

Question

Adolescence is often thought of as a period of biological transition from childhood to adulthood, but according to Margaret Mead, it is significantly shaped by the culture we are part of. After reviewing the course material for this module, do you think we should see adolescence as being shaped more by our nature (biology) or nurture (culture)?

Answer 1

While you will need to consult the course material for your module, per the question prompt, I would be happy to shed some light on this question.

The question of nature (biology) vs. nurture (culture) has been long-debated, with most scientists and anthropologists acknowledging the joint roles of both in the shaping of human existence, including the adolescent period. This includes Margaret Mead, whose works include "Coming of Age in Samoa" (1928), where she examines the Samoan culture, particularly boys and girls of adolescent age. Here, she largely points to the cultural determination of norms (nurture) while necessitating that the existence of norms is universal (nurture). As Mead's works progress with her "Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies" (1935), influential within the feminist movement, and her arguments against the methodologies involved in the experimental psychology research supporting arguments of racial superiority in intelligence, you can see her further develop an argument for the preeminence of the importance of cultural determinants shaping human dynamics, particularly adolescence.

If I were you, I would focus on what your module presents, as this is a very broad question, and the prompt directs you there. Focus on how Mead emphasizes the cultural aspects of development.

I hope this helps!

-Carly