article
The history of Samoan sexual conduct and the Mead-Freeman controversy
American anthropologist • 98 (3) • Published In 1996 • Pages: 555-567
By: Shankman, Paul.
Abstract
This article re-examines the accuracy of empirical data used by Margaret Mead in her portrayal of adolescent Samoan girls as sexually permissive, and Derek Freeman who found them to be rather restrictive. The article discusses the most important historical data and cultural institutions, notably the Taupou system (institutionalized valuation of virginity) used in both arguments. The article concludes that Mead's reconstruction is more in accord with available data, despite some errors in facts and interpretation.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2009
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Anthropologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- Teferi Abate Adem; 2007
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- 1900-1990
- Coverage Place
- Samoa
- Notes
- Paul Shankman
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 565-567)
- LCCN
- 17015424
- LCSH
- Samoans