Book Reading #37: Coming of Age in Samoa



Book Author: Margaret Mead

Chapter 13: Our Educational Problems in the Light of Samoan

Summary

In this chapter, Mead compares Samoan and American youth. She then reflects on what that means for America's youth, as well as the topic of Education. The upbringing of American children revolves around choices, and double standards based on their environment, says Mead. In contrast, as we've seen in the past twelve chapters, Samoan children are brought up into a set of rules, and regulations which aim to forge the role they will play in the community. Samoan children are exposed at a young age to things like life, death, and the birds and the bees. We cannot characterize a Samoan child as spoiled the way we define it in America.

When it comes to education, American children go to school with the intent to pursue their goals and aspirations. In contrast, Samoan children start work geared at making them learn the workings of the community, and how to contribute to it.

Another difference between the two cultures, is the display of affection. Samoans do not display feelings as openly as Americans do.

Discussion

In chapter 13, Mead has gathered enough data to where she can make an educated comparison between Samoans and Americans. This is an important chapter to read. Mead has been criticized for her work so this chapter helps us evaluate whether criticism is warranted. This assessment of some of the problems that exist in our culture for young people leads me to agree with Mead. I do think the American youth, nowadays, is faced with increased pressure to "assume" role in addition to less guidance on the right role to follow.