Benedict's Patterns of Culture

Benedict, R. (1934).  Patterns of Culture.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin

Scope: Benedict was a forerunner in the school of cultural anthropology.  Patterns of Culture is a timeless introduction to cultural anthropology.   Patterns of Culture presents three cultures, the Zuni, the Dobu, and the Kwakiutl.  She also presents theoretical view human cultures as relative.  Benedict states that each individual is a product of his or her culture and that the study of other cultures can help each of us have a better understanding of our own culture. There are commonalities in all cultures and Benedict states:

The whole pattern of the formation of the individual’s habit-patterns under the influence of traditional custom can best be understood at the present time through the study of simpler peoples. This does not mean that the facts and processes we can discover in this way are limited in their application to primitive civilizations.  Cultural configurations are as compelling and as significant in the highest and most complex societies of which we have knowledge.  Bu the material is too intricate and too close to our eyes for us to cope with it successfully. (Benedict, 1934, 55-56)

Benedict’s presentation and comparison of the three cultures is based on her own research and experience with the cultures.  Alexy contends that the reference to the American culture represents a fourth, implied culture (n.d.).

Audience: Anthropology students of all levels.  It is also a great resource for anyone with an interest in cultural studies and anthropology.

Timeliness:  And while the study of culture and comparable cultures has expanded since this book was published in 1934, this is still a valuable resource as it presents the origins of the comparative culture. Her theories were developed further by students such as Margaret Mead, a student who became great authority in the field of cultural anthropology.

Authority:  Benedict studied under Franz Boas at Columbia, one of the most influential figures in Anthropology at the turn of the century.  She became an associate professor at Columbia; one of her most notable students was Margaret Mead.  Benedict and Mead are often named as two of the most influential women in the field of cultural anthropology.  A preface written by Mead was added in 1959.

Documentation:  The list of references in Patterns of Culture is not extensive but this is a resource that is highly cited in the field of cultural anthropology.

Relevance: Patterns of Culture by Ruth Benedict is still highly relevant.  She is often cited and her work is a cornerstone in the field of Cultural anthropology.

References:

Alexy, A.  Ruth Benedict Patterns of Culture. Retrieved from http://classes.yale.edu/03-04/anth500b/projects/project_sites/02_alexy/ruthpatterns.html.

The Biography Channel Website.  (2013).  Franz Uri Boas. Retrieved 09:21, Nov 03, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/franz-boas-9216786.

Wikipedia. (2013, November 2).  Ruth Benedict.  Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Benedict.