Margaret Mead.

Margaret Mead — Academic

Born 16 Dec 1901 Philadelphia, United States

Died 15 Nov 1978 New York City, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 124 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,620

Words

Apr 1, 2026

Published

11

Film credits

37

Books

9

Awards

TL;DR

In 1928, Margaret Mead published ‘Coming of Age in Samoa, a groundbreaking anthropological study. Born in Philadelphia in 1901, she later conducted fieldwork in the South Pacific and created documentary films like Trance and Dance in Bali 1951. Mead received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1979 and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1976.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Margaret Mead — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Aliases Dr. Margaret Mead

PARENTS: Emily Fogg Edward Sherwood Mead
SPOUSES: Gregory Bateson Reo Fortune Luther Cressman
CHILDREN: Mary Catherine Bateson

At a glance.

STATS

Margaret Mead by the numbers — life, work, and family.

76 Years lived

11 Film credits

37 Books

9 Awards

3 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Margaret Mead?

BIOGRAPHY

Margaret Mead — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Born on December 16, 1901 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Emily Fogg and Edward Sherwood Mead, Margaret Mead grew up in an academic household. Her father was a professor and her mother a sociologist, which shaped her early interest in cultural patterns. She attended Solebury School before studying at DePauw University, Barnard College, and Columbia University, where she earned her doctorate under Franz Boas.

Career

Margaret Mead’s career began in earnest with her 1925 expedition to Samoa, resulting in her 1928 book Coming of Age in Samoa, which became a bestseller and sparked public debate. In 1936 she married Gregory Bateson and together they conducted research in Bali, producing documentary films such as Trance and Dance in Bali 1951 and A Balinese Family: the Karmas of Bajoeng Gedé 1952. Mead also appeared on television shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Dick Cavett Show. In 1974 she became the first elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Personal life

Margaret Mead married three times: to Luther Cressman from 1923 to 1926, to Reo Fortune from 1928 to 1934, and to Gregory Bateson from 1936 until their divorce in 1950. With Bateson she had one daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson. Mead died of cancer on November 15, 1978 in New York City.

Legacy

Margaret Mead’s work revolutionized the field of anthropology by emphasizing the role of culture in shaping human behavior. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1979, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame inducted her in 1976. Her image appeared on a 32-cent commemorative stamp in 1998 as part of the Celebrate the Century series. Mead continues to be remembered as one of the most influential anthropologists of the 20th century.

Filmography.

FILMS · 11

Browse the complete filmography of Margaret Mead — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

The Mike Douglas Show

1961
TV

The Dick Cavett Show

1968
Movie

UFO's Are Here!

1977
Movie

An Ecology of Mind

2010
Movie

Survival of Spaceship Earth

1972
Movie

Margaret Mead: an Observer Observed

1996

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Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 9

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Margaret Mead — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Presidential Medal of Freedom
Kalinga Prize
William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement
National Women's Hall of Fame
Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
honorary doctor of the University of Miami
Gold Medal of the Society of Woman Geographers
Kurt Lewin Award
Elizabeth Blackwell Award

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 37

Margaret Mead's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon Goodreads

Coming of Age in Samoa

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Culture, Language and Personality

by Edward Sapir et al.
Amazon Goodreads

New Lives for Old

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Male and Female

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

And Keep Your Powder Dry

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Soviet Attitudes Toward Authority

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

A Rap on Race

by Margaret Mead et al.
Amazon Goodreads

The Mountain Arapesh

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Cooperation and Competition Among Primitive Peoples

by Margaret Mead
Amazon

American Women

by United States. President's Commission on the Status of Women. et al.
Amazon Goodreads

Continuities in Cultural Evolution

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Kinship in the Admiralty Islands

by Margaret Mead
Amazon Goodreads

Themes in French Culture

by Rhoda Bubendey Métraux et al.

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Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 4

A wall of memorable lines from Margaret Mead — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

My Grandmother Wanted Me to Have an Education, so She Kept Me Out of School.
Never Doubt That a Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Can Change the World; Indeed It’s the Only Thing That Ever Has.
The Samoans Laugh at Stories of Romantic Love, Scoff at Fidelity to a Long Absent Wife or Mistress, Believe Explicitly That One Love Will Quickly Cure Another.
Always Remember That You Are Absolutely Unique. Just Like Everyone Else.

Did you know?

FACTS · 7

Little-known facts about Margaret Mead — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1979, Mead received recognition at the highest national level.
Mead’s 1928 work Coming of Age in Samoa remains her most famous publication.
Her anthropological research focused primarily on the cultures of South Pacific island inhabitants.
Mead appeared on a 32-cent commemorative stamp issued May 28, 1998 as part of the Celebrate the Century series honoring the 1920s.
She served as president of the Society for Applied Anthropology, the World Federation of Mental Health, and the American Anthropological Association.
In 1974 she became the first elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1976, Mead was recognized for her pioneering work.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 34

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Margaret Mead.

When was Margaret Mead born?

Margaret Mead was born on December 16, 1901 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This date marked the start of a career that would shape modern anthropology.
Where was Margaret Mead born?

She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Her birthplace was a bustling city that provided early exposure to diverse cultures.
When did Margaret Mead die?

Margaret Mead died on November 15, 1978 in New York City. She was 76 years old at the time of her death.
How old was Margaret Mead when she died?

Margaret Mead was 76 years old when she died on November 15, 1978. She had lived a full life dedicated to anthropological research.
Where did Margaret Mead die?

She died in New York City, New York, USA. Her death occurred in the same state where she had spent much of her academic career.
How did Margaret Mead die?

Margaret Mead died of cancer. She passed away on November 15, 1978 in New York City.
What did Margaret Mead do for a living?

Margaret Mead was an anthropologist, writer, and director. She is best known for her work in cultural anthropology and for producing documentary films.
What nationality was Margaret Mead?

Margaret Mead was an American citizen. She was born in the United States and spent her entire career there.
Who were Margaret Mead's parents?

Her parents were Emily Fogg and Edward Sherwood Mead. Her mother was a sociologist and her father a professor, which influenced her interest in social science.
Who was Margaret Mead married to?

Margaret Mead was married three times: to Luther Cressman from 1923 to 1926, to Reo Fortune from 1928 to 1934, and to Gregory Bateson from 1936 to 1950. Each marriage brought her into different intellectual circles.
Did Margaret Mead have any children?

Yes, she had one daughter named Mary Catherine Bateson with her third husband Gregory Bateson. Mary Catherine also became an anthropologist.
Where did Margaret Mead go to school?

She attended Solebury School, DePauw University, Barnard College, and Columbia University. At Columbia she earned her doctorate under the guidance of Franz Boas.
What awards did Margaret Mead win?

Margaret Mead received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1979, the Kalinga Prize, the William Procter Prize, and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1976, among others.
How many awards did Margaret Mead win?

She won at least nine major awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kalinga Prize, and several honorary degrees. Her many honors reflect her profound impact on anthropology.
What is Margaret Mead best known for?

Margaret Mead is best known for her book Coming of Age in Samoa 1928 and her anthropological studies of South Pacific island cultures. She also appeared on television shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Why was Margaret Mead called Dr. Margaret Mead?

The title Dr. reflects her doctoral degree from Columbia University. She earned her Ph.D. in anthropology under Franz Boas in 1929.
What was Margaret Mead known for in terms of film?

She was the narrator and co-director of documentary films such as Trance and Dance in Bali 1951 and A Balinese Family: the Karmas of Bajoeng Gedé 1952. These films captured unique cultural practices.
Was Margaret Mead married to Gregory Bateson?

Yes, she married Gregory Bateson in 1936, and they had a daughter together. They collaborated on research in Bali and divorced in 1950.
What is the Kalinga Prize?

The Kalinga Prize is an award for the popularization of science. Margaret Mead received it in recognition of her efforts to communicate anthropology to the public.
Did Margaret Mead receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

Yes, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1979. This is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
What is the National Women's Hall of Fame?

The National Women’s Hall of Fame honors influential American women. Margaret Mead was inducted in 1976 for her groundbreaking work in anthropology.
What organizations did Margaret Mead lead?

She served as president of the Society for Applied Anthropology, the World Federation of Mental Health, and the American Anthropological Association. In 1974 she became the first elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Did Margaret Mead appear on television?

Yes, she was a guest on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Dick Cavett Show. She used these platforms to discuss her research.
What are Margaret Mead's most famous books?

Her most famous book is Coming of Age in Samoa 1928. She also wrote other influential works like Growing Up in New Guinea and Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies.
Who was Margaret Mead's daughter?

Her daughter is Mary Catherine Bateson, born in 1939. Mary Catherine followed in her mother’s footsteps as an anthropologist and writer.
What is the William Procter Prize?

The William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement is awarded by the Society for Applied Anthropology. Margaret Mead received it for her contributions to the application of anthropology.
Why is Margaret Mead important?

Margaret Mead revolutionized cultural anthropology by emphasizing the impact of culture on personality and gender roles. Her work challenged Western assumptions and sparked public debate about social norms.
What television shows did Margaret Mead appear on?

She appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1962, The Mike Douglas Show in 1961, and The Dick Cavett Show in 1968. She often discussed her field research.
What is the Gold Medal of the Society of Woman Geographers?

The Gold Medal is the highest award of the Society of Woman Geographers. Margaret Mead received it in recognition of her geographical research in the South Pacific.
Was Margaret Mead featured on a U.S. postage stamp?

Yes, her image appeared on a 32-cent commemorative stamp issued May 28, 1998 as part of the Celebrate the Century series. The stamp celebrated the 1920s.
What did Margaret Mead study in Samoa?

She studied the adolescent girls of Samoa to understand how culture influences development. Her findings contradicted Western assumptions about adolescence.
Who influenced Margaret Mead's education?

She studied under Franz Boas at Columbia University. Boas was a pioneering anthropologist who emphasized cultural relativism.
What is the Elizabeth Blackwell Award?

The Elizabeth Blackwell Award is given by Hobart and William Smith Colleges to honor women who have made significant contributions to humanity. Margaret Mead received it.
How many times did Margaret Mead marry?

She married three times: to Luther Cressman, Reo Fortune, and Gregory Bateson. Each marriage corresponded to different phases of her career.

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Published on April 1, 2026

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