Cultural relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the principle that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This idea emphasizes the importance of context in interpreting and evaluating cultural expressions, asserting that no culture is inherently superior or inferior to another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism argues against ethnocentrism, encouraging people to appreciate cultural diversity without imposing their own standards.
2. The concept plays a crucial role in poststructuralist thought by promoting the idea that meaning is not fixed but varies across different cultural contexts.
3. Cultural relativism can lead to debates around moral judgments, as some may argue it allows harmful practices to persist under the guise of cultural respect.
4. In art criticism, cultural relativism encourages critics to consider the social and historical contexts of artworks when forming judgments about beauty and value.
5. The principle has been influential in discussions about globalization, as it raises questions about cultural homogenization versus the preservation of unique cultural identities.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism challenge traditional notions of beauty and taste in art?
  • Cultural relativism challenges traditional notions of beauty and taste by asserting that these concepts are culturally specific and not universal. It encourages critics and viewers to recognize that what is considered beautiful or valuable in one culture may not hold the same significance in another. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of diverse artistic expressions and promotes appreciation for the richness of various cultural aesthetics.
• In what ways does cultural relativism impact aesthetic judgment in art criticism?
  • Cultural relativism impacts aesthetic judgment by pushing critics to consider the cultural context from which an artwork emerges. Instead of applying a singular standard for evaluating art, critics influenced by this principle assess works based on their specific cultural meanings and functions. This leads to more nuanced interpretations and acknowledges the importance of local customs and values in shaping artistic expression.
• Evaluate how cultural relativism influences the role of the viewer in constructing meaning within visual arts.
  • Cultural relativism significantly influences the role of the viewer by emphasizing that meaning is co-created through individual experiences and cultural backgrounds. Viewers bring their own cultural perspectives when interpreting artworks, which can lead to multiple valid interpretations based on differing societal contexts. This approach shifts the focus from a singular 'correct' interpretation to an understanding that meaning is fluid, highlighting the viewer's agency in engaging with art.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's own culture, leading to the evaluation of other cultures through the lens of one's own cultural norms.

Postmodernism: A broad intellectual stance that challenges grand narratives and universal truths, often advocating for the validity of multiple perspectives and interpretations.

Contextualism: An approach that emphasizes understanding cultural phenomena within their specific social, historical, and environmental contexts.