Which anthropologist focused on the formation of personalities within cultures?

The anthropologist who focused on the formation of personalities within cultures is Ruth Benedict. She is well-known for her work in cultural anthropology and her concept of "cultural configurations" or "patterned cultures," where she examined how different cultures can shape individuals' personalities and behaviors.

Benedict's seminal book, "Patterns of Culture," discusses how cultures influence and create distinct personality types. She argued that each culture has its own value system and that these values are internalized by individuals, leading to culturally specific personality types. Her comparative studies of cultures, like the Native American Zuni and the Japanese, illustrate how cultural contexts mold individual personalities.

This focus on the interplay between culture and individual psychology makes Benedict a key figure in understanding how culture influences personality development, hence her relevance to the question posed.