Clifford Geertz was a prominent figure in the field of anthropology, who had a significant impact on the discipline. His contributions to the study of symbolic and interperetive anthropology and his concept of "thick description" have become essential tools for understanding social phenomena and cultural practices.
Geertz believed that culture is created and maintained through the use of symbols, and that these symbols can be studied through observation and interpretation. He is famous for arguing that culture as like a text and a "web of meaning". He argued that symbols are not just arbitrary signs, but rather they represent something greater within a society. For Geertz, understanding these symbols and their meanings was key to understanding the social and cultural practices of a society.
Geertz's concept of "thick description" emphasized the importance of context and meaning in understanding social phenomena. He believed that social behavior cannot be understood without taking into account its cultural context and that interpreting meaning is essential to understanding human behavior.
Geertz was a prolific writer and his works have influenced anthropologists, sociologists, and scholars in other fields. His ideas have been used to study a wide range of social phenomena such as religion, politics, and economics. Geertz's contributions have continued to shape the field of anthropology, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars to explore the complexities of human culture and social behavior. Here you'll find a list of articles and summaries of Geertz's work. Also check out Top books by Clifford Geertz.