Book Reading #40: Coming of Age in Samoa



Book Author: Margaret Mead

Chapter 14:  Education for Choice

Summary

In this chapter, Mead continues her assessment and comparison of Samoan and American culture.

This book mainly focused on the female adolescent, however this was to be used for her assessment of the American youth. Mead explains that, despite the differences between American and Samoan culture, we do find some similarities amongst them. 

 

With regards to education,  Mead brings back the argument about children's choices. Are there really endless possibilities for youth? Mead argues that by making kids think there are endless possibilities, this leads to a certain idealistic view of the world when the reality could be quite different. In a culture that values following suit and the trends of the time, Mead explains that parents must teach their children critical thinking.

Discussion

In chapter 14, I agreed with most of what was presented by Mead. We live today in a culture that puts al lot of emphasis on celibrities to the point where we think that their morals are unquestionnable and acceptable. I think parents must teach their kids how to think for themselves instead of being part of the heard. Celibrities come and go therefore parents should spend the most time teaching their kids what they wish to impart on them.