Franz Boas Biography
Attr: Canadian Museum of History
Early Life and Education
Franz Boas was born upon July 9, 1858, in Minden, Westphalia, which belonged to the Kingdom of Prussia, today Germany. He grew up in a liberal, Jewish household that valued education and intellectual query. His mother, Sofie Meyer, was a well-educated lady with interests in literature and the arts, and his dad, Meier Boas, was a merchant. From an early age, Boas revealed a keen interest in the natural world, which led him to pursue research studies in physics and geography at the University of Heidelberg, the University of Bonn, and finally the University of Kiel, where he finished his doctorate in 1881 with a dissertation on the optical properties of seawater.
Transfer to the United States and Early Career
After finishing his studies, Boas started his very first major exploration to Baffin Island in Canada, where he studied the culture and geography of the Inuit people. This experience exceptionally affected him and marked the start of his interest in sociology. In 1887, Boas emigrated to the United States, a relocation that proved pivotal in his profession. He initially worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where he carried out research on Native American cultures.
Academic Career and Contributions
In 1899, Boas signed up with Columbia University as a teacher, where he established the first doctoral program in sociology in the United States. His commitment to fieldwork and empirical research set a new requirement within the discipline. Boas is frequently regarded as the "Father of American Anthropology" for his innovative methods to the research study of cultures. He challenged the clinical bigotry and evolutionary theories of his time by emphasizing cultural relativism-- the idea that cultures should be comprehended in their context rather than evaluated versus a Western standard.
Boas's work with the Kwakwaka'wakw people of the Pacific Northwest further demonstrated his dedication to preserving native languages and cultures. His extensive ethnographic work documented the customs, languages, and folklore of these communities, which are still vital resources for researchers today.
Influence and Legacy
Boas's influence extended through his mentorship of a brand-new generation of anthropologists who ended up being prominent figures in the field. Notable trainees consisted of
Margaret Mead, who conducted pioneering research studies of culture and personality in Samoa and New Guinea;
Ruth Benedict, understood for her deal with patterns of culture; and
Edward Sapir, a key figure in the advancement of the research study of linguistics within anthropology. Through his teaching and mentorship, Boas profoundly shaped American sociology, advocating for a holistic technique that considers historic, cultural, and linguistic contexts.
Personal Life and Later Years
Franz Boas wed Marie Krackowizer in 1887, and the couple had six kids. Boas continued his operate in sociology well into his later years, staying active in research study, publishing, and teaching. His dedication to social justice appeared through his outspoken opposition to discrimination and racism, in addition to his defense of academic liberty throughout the political unrest of the 1930s and 1940s.
Death and Legacy
Franz Boas died on December 21, 1942, in New York City. His tradition sustains, not only through his pioneering contributions to anthropology however also through his impact on the generations of anthropologists that followed. Boas prepared for modern sociology, emphasizing the value of cultural understanding, rigorous fieldwork, and the rejection of ethnocentric predispositions in the study of human societies. His work continues to motivate scholars and scientists who strive to comprehend the complexity and variety of human cultures worldwide.
Our collection contains 16 quotes who is written / told by Franz.
Related authors: Margaret Mead (Scientist), Zora Neale Hurston (Dramatist), Ruth Benedict (Scientist), Alfred L. Kroeber (Scientist), Edward Sapir (Scientist), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Franz Boas pronunciation
A: Pronounced as 'Frahnz Boh-ahs'. - Q: What did Franz Boas study
A: Focus on indigenous cultures, especially Native American and Inuit societies, and language. - Q: Why is Franz Boas, the Father of anthropology
A: Laid foundations for modern anthropology, emphasizing rigorous scientific methodology. - Q: Franz Boas cultural relativism
A: Argued that cultures should be understood on their own terms, not judged against others. - Q: Franz Boas famous works
A: Authored 'The Mind of Primitive Man' and initiated detailed fieldwork methods. - Q: Franz Boas theory
A: Promoted cultural relativism and rejected racial hierarchy theories. - Q: Franz Boas contribution to anthropology
A: Pioneered cultural anthropology and introduced cultural relativism. - Q: How old was Franz Boas?
A: He became 84 years old
Franz Boas Famous Works:
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