Anthropological Theory End Term Assignment TOPIC- ‘Please compare Geertz’s two essays to answer the following question: Does Geertz’s ethnographic writing on the Balinese cockfight convincingly succeed in achieving his theoretical position, as outlined in ‘Thick Description’. Submitted by: Dipankar Dutta Department Of Sociology (1st Semester) South Asian University In the piece the "Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture" Clifford Geertz has stressed upon culture to be
Gilbert. He explain this term by adding that "a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes toward life."(p-89) “Deep play: notes on the Balinese
separate the reader from the truth. Observation is often taken for granted as an ethnographer 's view and understanding is changed depending on the perspective he uses. Had he placed himself in the story, as he did in Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight, the reader would have a clearer understanding of what information to believe or to question - as they would have insight into the characters recounting the story to him. Posing all information as fact gives the reader a false sense of security
The narrative of the French, Jewish, and Berber relations, while an exceptionally well-rounded story does not acknowledge, in the text itself, Geertz’s role in the situation - thus giving an incomplete account of the events. To not be reminded of the author's role, allows the reader to view the narrative as fact when in actuality the author’s observation and interpretation separate the reader from the truth. Observation is often taken for granted as an ethnographer's view and understanding is changed