9780395500880 - Patterns Of Culture

Patterns Of Culture

Ruth Benedict's 'Patterns of Culture' is a foundational text in the field of anthropology, offering an in-depth exploration of how cultural patterns shape human behavior and societal norms. Published in 1934, this seminal work compares three distinct cultures: the Zuni of the American Southwest, the Dobu of Melanesia, and the Kwakiutl of the Pacific Northwest. Benedict's analysis reveals the diversity of human cultures and challenges the notion of a universal standard for normal behavior. Her concept of 'culture as personality writ large' has influenced generations of anthropologists and remains a key reference in cultural studies. The book's accessible prose and compelling arguments make it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human societies.

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Auteur Ruth Benedict
ISBN 9780395500880
Bindwijze Paperback
Tags anthropology cultural studies Ruth Benedict ethnography cultural relativism

'Patterns of Culture' by Ruth Benedict is a masterpiece of anthropological literature, praised for its insightful analysis and comparative approach. Benedict's ability to weave together detailed ethnographic data with broader theoretical perspectives is unparalleled. However, some critics argue that her interpretations are overly deterministic, reducing complex cultures to singular patterns. Despite this, the book's impact on anthropology and its contribution to the concept of cultural relativism cannot be overstated. It is a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about normality and deviance in different cultural contexts.

In 'Patterns of Culture,' Ruth Benedict presents a comparative study of three societies to illustrate how culture influences individual behavior and societal norms. The Zuni are depicted as a harmonious and cooperative society, the Dobu as suspicious and competitive, and the Kwakiutl as flamboyant and status-obsessed. Benedict argues that each culture selects from the 'great arc of human potentialities' certain traits to emphasize, shaping the personality types that are valued within that society. Her work underscores the importance of understanding cultures on their own terms, rather than judging them by external standards. This book is a cornerstone of cultural anthropology, offering profound insights into the diversity of human life.