Symbolic Anthropology
Symbolic Anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on understanding cultures through their symbols and meanings. It emphasizes how people use symbols—like language, rituals, and art—to communicate and express their beliefs, values, and social norms. This approach helps anthropologists analyze how individuals and groups create meaning in their lives.
Key figures in Symbolic Anthropology include Clifford Geertz, who argued that culture is a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms. By studying these symbols, anthropologists can gain insights into the underlying social structures and cultural practices of different societies, revealing how they shape human experience.