Summary of The Interpretation of Cultures

The Interpretation of Cultures, by anthropologist Clifford Geertz, is a collection of essays that explore the interpretation of human culture and behavior. Geertz discusses the nature of culture, how it is expressed, and the implications of cultural interpretation. He proposes a framework for interpreting cultural behavior, based on the idea of "thick description" which involves looking at a culture's symbols and context to gain a better understanding of its beliefs and customs. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding not only the behavior of a culture but also the meaning that lies behind it. Geertz examines a variety of cultures, from traditional tribal societies to modern Western societies, and argues that each culture carries its own meaning, which should be understood in its own context. Ultimately, Geertz argues that the only way to truly understand another culture is to participate in it and interpret it from within.