"Most anthropologists are doing straightforward ethnography, and should"
- Clifford Geertz
About this Quote
Clifford Geertz was an American anthropologist who was known for his interpretive method to the study of culture. In this quote, he is suggesting that the majority of anthropologists need to be doing ethnography, which is the study of a particular culture or society. Ethnography involves collecting data through participant observation, interviews, and other approaches. Geertz believed that this kind of research study was necessary for comprehending the intricacies of culture. He argued that anthropologists must not rely solely on quantitative methods, but ought to likewise utilize qualitative methods to gain a much deeper understanding of the culture they are studying. By doing ethnography, anthropologists can acquire a better understanding of the culture and its individuals, which can assist them to establish more efficient techniques for dealing with social concerns.
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