Civilization Quote by Margaret Mead
“The institution of marriage in all societies is a pattern within which the strains put by civilization on males and females alike must be resolved, a pattern within which men must learn, in return for a variety of elaborate rewards, new forms in which sexual spontaneity is still possible, and women must learn to discipline their receptivity to a thousand other considerations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Coming of Age in Samoa, 1928
Marriage serves as a social framework where both genders negotiate societal pressures, balancing rewards and constraints while preserving personal spontaneity.
In simple terms: Marriage balances societal demands and personal freedom.
Key Takeaway
Navigate marriage’s social expectations.
Themes
marriage
gender roles
social structure
personal freedom
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
anthropological
sociological
When to use this quote
- family planning
- career decisions
- cross‑cultural studies
Key Concepts
cultural norms
sexuality
rewards anddiscipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies shape marital expectations?
- What freedoms exist within marriage?
A Different Perspective
Cultural expectations can limit individual expression.
