Anthropology Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Question: 1 / 400

Clifford Geertz defined culture as ideas based on cultural _________ and ________.

Patterns and symbols

Clifford Geertz, a prominent anthropologist, contributed significantly to our understanding of culture through his conceptualization of it as a system of meanings expressed in symbols. He emphasized that culture is not merely a set of behaviors or practices but is deeply rooted in the ideas and interpretations that people attach to their experiences and social interactions. In this framework, "patterns" refer to the recurring themes and structures within a culture, while "symbols" denote the various forms (like language, art, and rituals) that carry meaning. By focusing on these elements, Geertz highlighted how cultural understanding is shaped by interpreting the symbols and patterns that express a society's values, beliefs, and meanings. This approach allows for a deeper analysis of the complexities of human behavior and social life, illustrating how cultures operate on a level of shared meanings and interpretations.

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Values and norms

Beliefs and actions

Traditions and customs

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