How does Clifford Geertz view cultural analysis?

Clifford Geertz is well-known for his interpretive approach to cultural analysis, which emphasizes understanding cultures through the meanings that people attribute to their experiences and practices. He views culture as a complex web of symbols and meanings that cannot be fully captured or quantified. By asserting that cultural analysis is inherently incomplete, Geertz acknowledges the subjective nature of interpreting cultural practices and the limitations faced by anthropologists in achieving a complete understanding of any given culture.

This perspective highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of culture, suggesting that it is constantly evolving and that researchers must be open to multiple interpretations. Geertz's notion of "thick description" exemplifies this view; he advocates for deep and detailed observations that delve into the meanings behind cultural practices rather than relying solely on objective measurements or a one-size-fits-all methodology. This approach stands in contrast to a view of cultural analysis as a definitive science or strictly quantitative, which fails to account for the rich, subjective experiences that characterize human societies.