Introduction
The concept of “coming of age” refers to the transition from childhood to adulthood, marked by physical, emotional, and social changes. In anthropology, this transition is often studied to understand how different cultures shape adolescence. Margaret Mead, one of the most influential cultural anthropologists of the 20th century, explored this concept in her famous ethnographic work Coming of Age in Samoa (1928). Her study challenged Western notions of adolescence as a time of stress and conflict, showing that cultural factors heavily influence how young people experience this life stage.
Overview of Margaret Mead’s Work
Mead conducted her fieldwork in Samoa, a small island in the South Pacific, focusing on adolescent girls. She aimed to understand whether the emotional turmoil experienced by American teenagers was a universal phenomenon or culturally specific.
Key Findings on ‘Coming of Age’
1. Cultural Context Shapes Adolescence
- In Samoan society, adolescence was a relatively smooth and stress-free transition.
- Young girls enjoyed a degree of freedom in choosing partners and were not pressured into early marriage.
- Their sexual relationships were casual and socially accepted, contrasting with the moral restrictions in Western societies.
2. Lack of Rigid Expectations
- Mead observed that Samoan society did not place rigid expectations on teenagers.
- This allowed adolescents to explore roles and relationships without fear of punishment or shame.
3. Supportive Social Structures
- Extended families and community networks provided guidance and support to young girls.
- There was less emphasis on individual achievement and more on collective wellbeing.
4. Coming of Age as a Social Process
- In Samoa, coming of age was not marked by a single event but a gradual process of learning and integration into adult roles.
- Rituals and responsibilities were slowly introduced, minimizing psychological stress.
Contrast with Western Societies
- Mead argued that in American society, adolescents face conflicting pressures from family, peers, and institutions.
- Strict moral codes, competition, and lack of open communication create emotional turmoil.
- She concluded that adolescence is not inherently difficult, but made difficult by cultural expectations.
Criticism and Relevance
- Some later anthropologists, like Derek Freeman, criticized Mead’s findings, claiming they were overly romanticized or inaccurate.
- However, her central idea—that culture plays a significant role in shaping human behavior—remains influential.
- Her work opened the door for further studies on adolescence across cultures.
Conclusion
Margaret Mead’s portrayal of “coming of age” in Samoa provided a groundbreaking perspective on adolescence. She showed that this life stage is not universally stressful, but deeply shaped by cultural norms and social structures. Her ethnography continues to inspire anthropologists, educators, and psychologists to examine how societies influence human development, especially during the crucial period of adolescence.