Ruth Benedict

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 returned to New York City. For some years Benedict sought vainly for an occupation. In 1919 …