Cultural Relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the philosophical concept that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This idea emphasizes that cultural practices and values are not universal and highlights the importance of context when examining human behavior and social norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism challenges biological determinism by arguing that behaviors considered 'normal' or 'abnormal' can vary significantly across different cultures.
2. This concept promotes tolerance and understanding by encouraging individuals to appreciate cultural diversity instead of imposing their own cultural standards.
3. Cultural relativism does not imply that all cultural practices are equally valid; instead, it calls for contextual understanding of practices within their specific cultural frameworks.
4. Critics of cultural relativism argue that it can lead to moral ambiguity, where harmful practices may be justified in the name of cultural traditions.
5. Cultural relativism plays a key role in discussions about human rights, as it raises questions about the universality of human rights versus culturally specific practices.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism provide a critique of biological determinism in understanding human behavior?
  • Cultural relativism critiques biological determinism by suggesting that human behavior is not solely determined by genetics or biology but is heavily influenced by cultural context. It highlights that behaviors, values, and norms vary widely between cultures, indicating that what may be seen as a biological imperative in one society could be viewed as culturally constructed in another. This perspective encourages looking at the broader social influences on behavior rather than reducing them to biological factors alone.
• Discuss the potential ethical implications of adopting a strictly cultural relativist perspective when evaluating diverse cultural practices.
  • Adopting a strictly cultural relativist perspective can lead to ethical dilemmas, especially when confronting harmful practices within a culture. While it promotes understanding and tolerance, it can also create moral ambiguity where actions such as discrimination or violence may be defended as culturally acceptable. This raises critical questions about the limits of cultural relativism and whether there should be universal ethical standards that transcend cultural boundaries, particularly concerning human rights.
• Evaluate how cultural relativism impacts discussions surrounding universal human rights and global ethics.
  • Cultural relativism significantly impacts discussions on universal human rights by challenging the notion that all cultures should adhere to a single set of ethical norms. It fosters debate on whether human rights are truly universal or if they should be interpreted within specific cultural contexts. This perspective emphasizes respect for cultural differences but also raises concerns about protecting individuals from practices deemed harmful under the guise of tradition, leading to ongoing dialogue about finding a balance between respecting cultural diversity and advocating for universal ethical standards.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: The tendency to evaluate other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture, often leading to a belief in the superiority of one's own culture.

Social Constructivism: The theory that knowledge and many aspects of the world around us are constructed through social processes and interactions, emphasizing the role of societal context in shaping understanding.

Cultural Norms: The shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a particular culture, influencing how individuals act and interact in society.