72 pages • 2 hours read
Clifford GeertzThe Interpretation of Cultures
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz outlines his influential theory of culture as interpretive, meaning culture comprises symbol systems that people use to make sense of their world. Through five parts, Geertz addresses the interpretation of culture, the specifics of human thought and society, religion and ideology as cultural systems, and human unity exemplified in Balinese practices, all illustrated with empirical analyses. Topics related to psychological and social complexities appear throughout the work.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz is widely praised for its insightful analysis of symbolic anthropology, offering deep, thought-provoking cultural interpretations. Reviewers commend Geertz's eloquent writing and intellectual rigor. Some critics, however, find his dense prose challenging and argue that his theories may lack empirical support. Overall, it's a seminal work in anthropology.
Who Should Read The Interpretation of Cultures?
Readers who appreciate The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz are often intellectually curious individuals fascinated by anthropology, cultural studies, and social sciences. Comparable to fans of Edward Said’s Orientalism or Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities, they seek deep, analytical insights into human societies and their symbols.