Coming of Age in Samoa: A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilisation

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This pioneering ethnographic study investigates the lives and psychological experiences of adolescent girls in Samoan society, contrasting their development with that of their American counterparts in the context of their cultural norms and practices. The book seeks to understand whether the challenges associated with adolescence are inherent to this developmental stage or influenced by societal factors. The opening of the text introduces readers to Mead’s immersive journey in Samoa, where she dedicates her research to the young girls of the Taū region. She discusses the prevailing theoretical perspectives on adolescence in Western civilization and the significant role of cultural context. Mead outlines her method of anthropological investigation, emphasizing her intent to engage deeply with the local community and their way of life. The introductory chapters set the stage for her detailed observations, juxtaposing the behaviors and life experiences of Samoan youth against Western notions of adolescence, ultimately posing the pivotal question of how much of what is deemed ''normal'' in adolescence stems from cultural expectations rather than natural development. Mead's work aims to highlight the diversity of human experience through contrasting cultures and their influence on emotional and psychological growth.