Anthropologist. Ruth Benedict was a prominent American anthropologist. Five years after graduating from Vassar College, she married biochemist Stanley Benedict, but they separated in 1930 as their individual careers developed and as Ruth recognized her sexual attraction to other women. She got her PhD from Columbia University where she became a professor. She is often thought to be the first woman to be recognized as a prominent leader of a learned profession. She did extensive field research in other cultures, published numerous books, and served as President of the American Anthropological Association. She especially studied the relationship between personality and culture, insisting that no trait exists in isolation. One of her most famous quotes was, "The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences."
Anthropologist. Ruth Benedict was a prominent American anthropologist. Five years after graduating from Vassar College, she married biochemist Stanley Benedict, but they separated in 1930 as their individual careers developed and as Ruth recognized her sexual attraction to other women. She got her PhD from Columbia University where she became a professor. She is often thought to be the first woman to be recognized as a prominent leader of a learned profession. She did extensive field research in other cultures, published numerous books, and served as President of the American Anthropological Association. She especially studied the relationship between personality and culture, insisting that no trait exists in isolation. One of her most famous quotes was, "The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences."
Bio by: Sharlotte Neely Donnelly
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