description Gene Weltfish Overview
Gene Weltfish (1902–1980) was an American anthropologist who studied under Franz Boas at Columbia University. She co-authored the 1943 pamphlet "The Races of Mankind," which argued against scientific racism and was widely distributed, including by the U.S. Army. Her work focused on cultural anthropology and linguistics, particularly among Native American peoples of the Plains.
help Gene Weltfish FAQ
Who was Gene Weltfish?
Gene Weltfish was an American anthropologist who lived from 1902 to 1980. She studied under Franz Boas at Columbia University.
What was The Races of Mankind?
The Races of Mankind was a 1943 pamphlet co-authored by Gene Weltfish and Ruth Benedict. It argued against scientific racism and challenged claims that racial hierarchy had a biological basis.
Why was Gene Weltfish's pamphlet important to the U.S. Army?
The 1943 pamphlet was widely distributed, including through the U.S. Army. That distribution gave an argument against scientific racism a broad audience during the Second World War.
What did Franz Boas have to do with Gene Weltfish?
Weltfish studied under Franz Boas at Columbia University. Her later public work, including the 1943 pamphlet with Ruth Benedict, opposed scientific racism.
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