Ruth Benedict

Ruth Benedict was an American anthropologist and folklorist. She was born on June 5, 1887, in New York City and passed away on September 17, 1948. Benedict is best known for her work in the field of cultural anthropology, particularly her book 'Patterns of Culture' (1934), which popularized the concept of culture as a patterned way of living. Her theories had a significant influence on the development of cultural anthropology. She was a student of Franz Boas and later became a professor at Columbia University. Benedict's work contributed to the understanding of cultural relativism and the diversity of human societies.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Patterns of Culture

    "Patterns of Culture" explores the concept of culture as a collective personality, analyzing the patterns of behavior and thought that define different societies. The author uses examples from diverse cultures such as the Pueblo Indians and the Dobu Islanders to illustrate her point. The book argues that each culture has its own unique pattern and personality, which is shaped by its history, environment, and social structure. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these patterns in order to fully understand and appreciate the diversity of human cultures.