Cultural Relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of their own culture, rather than being judged by the standards of another culture. It is a central concept in anthropology that emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural practices and beliefs within their own context, rather than imposing external moral or ethical judgments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism is a key principle in anthropology that helps researchers overcome ethnocentrism and biases when studying different cultures.
2. It encourages anthropologists to approach cultural practices and beliefs with an open and non-judgmental mindset, seeking to understand them within their own context.
3. Applying cultural relativism helps anthropologists avoid making assumptions about the superiority or inferiority of cultural practices, and instead focuses on understanding the logic and meaning behind them.
4. Cultural relativism is essential for the holistic approach of anthropology, which aims to study human beings and their activities as a complete system, rather than in isolation.
5. Participant observation, a central method in anthropology, relies on cultural relativism to help researchers gain an insider's perspective and understanding of the cultures they study.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principle of cultural relativism helps anthropologists overcome ethnocentrism when studying different cultures.
  • The principle of cultural relativism encourages anthropologists to approach the study of other cultures with an open and non-judgmental mindset, avoiding the tendency to judge cultural practices and beliefs based on the standards and values of their own culture (ethnocentrism). By understanding cultural practices and beliefs within their own context, anthropologists can avoid making assumptions about the superiority or inferiority of different cultural norms. This allows them to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the logic and meaning behind the cultural practices they observe, rather than imposing external moral or ethical judgments.
• Describe how the holistic approach of anthropology is supported by the principle of cultural relativism.
  • The holistic approach of anthropology, which considers human beings and their activities as a complete system, is closely tied to the principle of cultural relativism. By avoiding the imposition of external standards and values, cultural relativism enables anthropologists to study cultures in their entirety, considering the interconnected nature of various cultural elements, such as beliefs, practices, social structures, and environmental factors. This holistic perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of human cultures, rather than focusing on isolated aspects or components. The application of cultural relativism is essential for anthropologists to gain a comprehensive and contextual understanding of the cultures they study.
• Analyze how the use of participant observation, a central method in anthropology, is influenced by the principle of cultural relativism.
  • Participant observation, a key qualitative research method in anthropology, is deeply informed by the principle of cultural relativism. By immersing themselves in the communities and cultures they study, anthropologists using participant observation aim to gain an insider's perspective and understanding. Cultural relativism enables them to approach this process with an open and non-judgmental mindset, suspending their own cultural biases and preconceptions. This allows them to better comprehend the logic, meaning, and significance of the cultural practices and beliefs they observe, rather than imposing external interpretations. The application of cultural relativism in participant observation is crucial for anthropologists to develop a nuanced and contextual understanding of the cultures they study, ultimately contributing to the holistic approach that defines the discipline.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism:

The tendency to judge other cultures by the standards and values of one's own culture, often leading to the belief that one's own culture is superior.

Holism:

The anthropological approach that considers human beings and their activities as a complete system, rather than focusing on individual parts or components.

Participant Observation:

A qualitative research method in which the researcher immerses themselves in a community or culture to gain an insider's perspective and understanding.