Question

According to Clifford Geertz, when one person winks at another, the symbolic meaning of the wink depends on the situation, the relationship between the people, and their ability to understand what is being communicated. This involves deep cultural knowledge. Hence, to fully understand the symbolic meaning of the wink, the anthropologist should use a perspective of ________.

Answer 1

Answer:

- The interpretivist approach.

Explanation:

As per the question, the perspective that the anthropologist should use would be 'The interpretivist approach' as Geertz proposes a cultural approach that devotes its prime attention to part played by symbols in forming the general meaning. By applying it anthropology, he asserts and demonstrates the semiotic nature of culture. His approach discuses the way people understand and gestate their world. Thus, 'the interpretivist approach' denies the positivism of science and would help understand the symbolic meaning of the 'wink' through 'thick description.'