James Clifford

James Clifford is an influential American anthropologist and historian of science, best known for his work in cultural studies and postcolonial theory. He emphasizes the importance of context, identity, and the interactions between cultures. His book, "Writing Culture," critiques traditional ethnography and argues that representation in anthropology shapes understanding of cultures. Clifford advocates for recognizing the subjectivity in research and promotes a more reflexive approach, where researchers acknowledge their own influence on the cultures they study. His ideas encourage a deeper examination of how cultures are constructed and understood in a globalized world.