Cultural relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the concept that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that individual's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This perspective encourages an appreciation for cultural diversity and recognizes that norms and morals can differ vastly from one society to another, which is especially important in discussions around human rights and international law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism promotes understanding and tolerance by encouraging individuals to appreciate cultural differences without imposing their own cultural standards.
2. In international law, cultural relativism can lead to debates about whether universal human rights apply equally across different cultures or if they should be interpreted through a cultural lens.
3. Critics argue that cultural relativism can sometimes excuse harmful practices or human rights violations in the name of cultural tradition.
4. Cultural relativism is often contrasted with universalism, which advocates for common standards that apply to all societies regardless of cultural context.
5. The concept is rooted in anthropology and has been influential in shaping discussions around globalization and multiculturalism.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism influence the interpretation of human rights within different societies?
  • Cultural relativism significantly influences how human rights are interpreted because it suggests that what is considered a right in one culture may not be viewed the same way in another. This perspective encourages the understanding that human rights must be considered within their cultural context, potentially leading to differing views on issues such as gender equality, freedom of expression, and family structures. As a result, debates about universal human rights can become complex, as they must navigate the balance between respecting cultural differences and advocating for fundamental human rights.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks of applying cultural relativism when evaluating practices within different cultures.
  • One major drawback of applying cultural relativism is that it can inadvertently justify harmful practices, such as discrimination or violence against certain groups, under the guise of cultural tradition. This creates a dilemma where advocates for human rights may hesitate to intervene in practices that violate individual rights, arguing that it would be ethnocentric to impose outside values. Thus, while promoting respect for cultural diversity is crucial, it can complicate efforts to uphold universal human rights standards when some practices contradict those values.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on the debate between cultural relativism and universalism in contemporary society.
  • Globalization has intensified the debate between cultural relativism and universalism as it brings diverse cultures into closer contact than ever before. This interaction prompts questions about how local customs should adapt in light of global standards for human rights and ethics. As cultures influence one another through migration, technology, and communication, there is an ongoing struggle to define whether universal principles should prevail or if respect for local traditions should guide actions. This evaluation underscores the complexity of achieving a balance between maintaining cultural identity and addressing global human rights concerns amidst an interconnected world.

Related terms

ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's own culture, often leading to the evaluation of other cultures based on one's own cultural norms.

universalism:

The idea that certain rights or values are universally applicable to all human beings, regardless of cultural differences.

human rights:

The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, often discussed in contrast to cultural relativism.