Cultural relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the concept 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 approach emphasizes the importance of viewing cultural differences without ethnocentric bias, advocating for tolerance and understanding in a diverse world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism emerged as a response to ethnocentric views that judge other cultures using one's own cultural standards, promoting a more inclusive understanding of cultural diversity.
2. It is often used in anthropology to study and interpret cultures from an insider's perspective, recognizing that practices are meaningful within their own cultural context.
3. Cultural relativism challenges the idea of absolute moral standards, suggesting that morality is not universal but shaped by cultural contexts.
4. Critics argue that extreme cultural relativism can lead to moral dilemmas, particularly when cultural practices conflict with human rights standards.
5. The concept has influenced international debates on human rights, as it raises questions about whether certain rights should be universally applied or culturally specific.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism provide a different lens for understanding diverse cultural practices compared to ethnocentrism?
  • Cultural relativism allows individuals to understand and interpret diverse cultural practices within their own context, fostering appreciation and tolerance. In contrast, ethnocentrism leads to judgments based on one's own cultural standards, often resulting in misunderstanding and devaluation of other cultures. By applying cultural relativism, one can gain insights into why specific practices are meaningful to those within a culture, thus promoting dialogue and reducing conflict.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural relativism on international human rights discussions and policies.
  • Cultural relativism complicates international human rights discussions by introducing the idea that rights may not be universally applicable. While some advocate for a universal approach to human rights, cultural relativists argue that these rights should be interpreted within specific cultural contexts. This perspective can lead to tensions between respecting cultural differences and upholding fundamental human rights, as practices deemed acceptable in one culture may violate the rights of individuals in another.
• Analyze how the tension between cultural relativism and universalism affects global social justice movements.
  • The tension between cultural relativism and universalism impacts global social justice movements by creating differing viewpoints on how to advocate for change. Cultural relativists argue that social justice efforts must respect local customs and practices to be effective, while universalists contend that certain rights are inalienable regardless of culture. This debate influences how movements operate across borders, shaping strategies for addressing issues like gender equality and minority rights, ultimately affecting both local advocacy efforts and broader international policies.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to others, often leading to misinterpretation or devaluation of different cultural practices.

Cultural Pluralism: A perspective that recognizes and appreciates the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society, allowing for the expression and maintenance of cultural identities.

Universalism: The belief in universal principles or values that apply to all human beings, regardless of cultural differences, often contrasted with cultural relativism.