thick description
[/θɪk dɪˈskrɪpʃən/]
nounpl: thick descriptions
descrição densa
1. A detailed, nuanced account of cultural practices, behaviors, or social phenomena that includes not just observable actions but also their meanings, contexts, and interpretations within a specific culture
The anthropologist provided a thick description of the wedding ceremony, explaining not only what happened but also the symbolic meanings behind each ritual.
O antropólogo forneceu uma descrição densa da cerimônia de casamento, explicando não apenas o que aconteceu, mas também os significados simbólicos por trás de cada ritual.
2. A methodological approach in qualitative research that goes beyond surface-level observation to reveal underlying cultural meanings and social structures
Using thick description, the researcher examined how facial expressions conveyed different emotions across different cultural contexts.
Usando descrição densa, o pesquisador examinou como expressões faciais transmitiam emoções diferentes em vários contextos culturais.
This term originates from anthropologist Clifford Geertz's work and is fundamental to ethnographic research in both American and Brazilian academic traditions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding not just observable behavior but the cultural meanings embedded within social practices. In Brazil, this approach has become increasingly important in social sciences, particularly in anthropology (antropologia), sociology (sociologia), and qualitative research methods.
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