Clifford Geertz: A Deep Observer of Political Culture
Clifford Geertz later focused on political culture, notably during his time at Princeton. His work emphasizes that understanding the Political requires integrating diverse self-assertions, such as ethnic or religious identities. These identity claims must be treated as serious social problems rather than dismissed as mere irrational behavior.
In his later works, Clifford Geertz shifted heavily towards the study of political culture, particularly during his time at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton. This academic phase led to influential essays dealing with the crises of the late 20th century. A central element of these later considerations is the definition of the Political itself. Geertz argued that the concept of the Political must necessarily incorporate various self-assertions—such as ethnic or religious identities. Crucial here is the resulting theoretical demand: these self-assertions must not be dismissed as mere irrationality, but rather viewed as serious social problems. This perspective marks an important shift in the understanding of political dynamics.