The Deconstruction of Thick Description: Changing Portrayals of Bali in the Writing of Clifford Geertz

This article examines a set of writings of Clifford Geertz in an effort to elucidate the contrast between positive and interpretive science set forth by Geertz and to assess the epistemological claims for interpretive science which Geertz makes in his later work. The texts examined are: "Ethos, World View, and the Analysis of Sacred Symbols"; "Person, Time, and Conduct in Bali"; "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight"; "Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture";' and Negara. * I will first describe a method of reading termed "deconstruction" and then apply this to an analysis of the positive science/interpretive science opposition in Geertz's writing. In this analysis Geertz's attempt to repudiate a positive and adopt an interpretive stance is seen as a central problem, and I will seek to demonstrate that Geertz's shifting position on this problem results in a shifting portrayal of Balinese culture.