Patterns of Culture

Offers an analysis of three strongly contrasting primitive civilizations, showing how behavior is influenced by custom and tradition.

Ruth Benedict (born June 5, 1887, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died Sept. 17, 1948, New York City) was an American anthropologist whose theories had a profound influence on cultural anthropology, especially in the area of culture and personality.

Benedict graduated from Vassar College in 1909, lived in Europe for a year, and then settled in California, where she taught in girls’ schools. In 1914 she re …