Final answer:
Ethnography is the research strategy developed by Clifford Geertz for in-depth cultural analysis. It involves observation and participation in cultural activities to understand the symbols and meanings that underlie a society's practices and beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research strategy pioneered by Clifford Geertz that combines detailed description of cultural activity with an analysis of the deep cultural meanings in which those activities are embedded is known as ethnography. This methodology involves the researcher becoming immersed in a cultural community to collect information through observation of and participation in its culture. An ethnographer might engage in activities ranging from attending religious ceremonies to sharing meals with local residents, all the while analyzing the symbols and meanings that are fundamental to the community's way of life. Geertz viewed religion as a potent cultural symbol, where the symbols used are not just representations but have an active role in establishing moods and motivations within the culture. By deeply understanding these symbols and their meanings, ethnographers can provide insights into the cultural practices, values, and worldviews that define a society.