Clifford Geertz

Clifford Geertz was an influential anthropologist known for his approach to understanding cultures through thick description, which means looking closely at the details of everyday life to grasp deeper meanings. He advocated for cultural relativism, arguing that one must understand a culture on its own terms rather than judging it by external standards. Geertz emphasized that cultures are complex systems of symbols and meanings, greatly influencing social and cultural history by demonstrating how narratives and signs shape human experiences. His work encourages an appreciation of cultural diversity and the intricate ways people interpret their world.