Behavior Quote by Margaret Mead
“Those social behaviors which automatically preclude the building of a democratic world must go - every social limitation of human beings in terms of heredity, whether it be of race, or sex, or class. Every social institution which teaches human beings to cringe to those above and step on those below must be replaced by institutions which teach people to look each other straight in the face.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Coming of Age in Samoa, 1928 (paraphrased)
Social structures that enforce hierarchy and inequality hinder democracy; societies must replace them with institutions fostering equality and mutual respect.
In simple terms: Hierarchy blocks democracy; equality builds it.
Key Takeaway
Promote equitable institutions.
Themes
eocracy
equality
social reform
human rights
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
activist
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community organizing
Key Concepts
hierarchical oppression
institutional change
education reform
Questions to Reflect On
- What inequalities persist in your community?
- How can you foster mutual respect?
A Different Perspective
change can be resisted by entrenched interests
