The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz

The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz provided a very unique perspective on understanding cultural anthropology. It presented culture as being ideational. This book explained culture to be a “symbolic system.” It was a fascinating read, especially as it gave interesting examples to explain complicated topics, such as the web of meanings behind a symbol like a wink. In some cultures, it is viewed as a way to show affection, while in others as a political symbol. Geertz emphasized focusing on interpretations and meanings over observations, a different approach from other anthropologists.

I found it very interesting how he explained culture as a symbolic system and how you can see it as such by isolating elements, analyzing internal relations in those elements, and characterizing the whole system. He also explained how culture is a “web of meanings” and is “public because of meanings.” Because of this subjective approach to “meanings,” culture is not fixed; essentially, it has no such laws. Therefore, culture is best understood by an interpretative approach.

Geertz also explains how subjectivity is the best approach, but at the same time, he critiqued complete objectivity. He argues that an anthropologist’s task is not to adopt a detached view of the account but to fully engage with the culture to understand it. He advocates for understanding the culture through the perspective of people living in that culture.

Overall, this book provided a distinctive approach to understanding and researching cultural anthropology.