著者

菊地 敦子 福井 七子

出版者

関西大学外国語学部

雑誌

関西大学外国語学部紀要 (ISSN:18839355)

巻号頁・発行日

no.12, pp.45-68, 2015-03

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研究論文Benedict's paper "Anthropology and the Abnormal" challenged traditional psychology by claiming that what is normal and what is abnormal is shaped by culture. In doing so, Benedict risked exposing her own lesbian sexuality which was considered 'abnormal' at the time. Translating this paper into Japanese provides important information for Japanese scholars in that the paper reveals the close connection between Benedict's research and her personal life and convictions.

著者

菊地 敦子 福井 七子

出版者

関西大学外国語学部

雑誌

関西大学外国語学部紀要 = Journal of foreign language studies (ISSN:18839355)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.18, pp.55-77, 2018-03

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This section of An Anthropologist at Work that we are translating includes the chapters, "The Postwar Years: The Gathered Threads" by Margaret Mead and "Recognition of Cultural Diversities in the Postwar World" by Ruth Benedict. Both of these papers describe the urgent need after the war for Americans to understand the cultures of the countries that they defeated in the war and that they were now to occupy. Benedict felt this urgency more than anyone else. She wanted to make sure that the Americans understood the Japanese people and made their decisions wisely. She wrote the book Chrysanthemum and the Sword for this purpose. Benedict's commitment to seeking world peace by understanding ways in which other people live their lives is described in "Recognition of Cultural Diversities in the Postwar World". In "The Postwar Years" Mead describes somewhat bitterly, how after the death of Franz Boas, Benedict worked on the book Chrysanthemum and the Sword almost secretly without consulting her colleagues. The book was a huge success and offers of funding poured in, allowing Benedict to apply her analysis of national character to other countries. This research took Benedict to Europe. But on her return to New York Benedict passed away.