Ruth Benedict

About

American anthropologist who was one of the first woman to be considered a prominent leader of a learned profession.

Before Fame

She attended Vassar College before working as a graduate student with Franz Boas at Columbia University.

Trivia

In her 1934 book, Patterns of Culture, she posited that there always existed a relationship between personality, art, language and culture.

Family Life

Many people believe that she and Margaret Mead were lovers.

Associated With

Franz Boas, who is considered the father of modern anthropology, was her teacher and mentor.