Reference Information
Title: Coming of Age in Samoa
Author: Margaret Mead
Editors: Williams Morrow and Company (1928)
Chapter 12: Maturity and Old Age (10 Pages)
Summary
This chapter talked about what older men and women do ion Samoa. Choosing to live in the husband's or wife's family has more of an effect on a man than a woman. There is little conflict with in-laws as elders are treated with utmost respect. Men during their 20's and 30's try to acquire titles and reputations. Females meanwhile are busy and cheerful. When a man reaches around 60, his titles are stripped from him and given to a younger man. Older women in their 40's and 50's work very hard.
Discussion
I think it's cool that there is very little conflict with one's in-laws. In the U.S., it seems like such a dread to stay with them. Respect for elders is one of the things that we have lost that we should gain back. The problems they faced 40 years ago are still prevalent today. Just as the themes from Shakespeare still ring true today, the knowledge of our elders shouldn't be lost. Many lessons are best learned through words.
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