Cultural Relativism Examples

Cultural relativism helps us understand diverse practices across societies without judgment. From foot binding in China to arranged marriages and honor killings, these examples reveal how culture shapes beliefs and behaviors, highlighting the complexities of human experience in anthropology.

1. Foot binding in China

   • A traditional practice that began in the Song dynasty, aimed at creating small, "lotus" feet for women.
   • Considered a symbol of beauty and status, it often led to lifelong disabilities.
   • The practice was officially banned in the early 20th century, but its cultural significance remains a topic of discussion.

2. Arranged marriages in various cultures

   • Common in many societies, where families play a significant role in selecting spouses.
   • Often based on social, economic, and cultural considerations rather than romantic love.
   • Can strengthen family ties and ensure social stability, but may also limit individual choice.

3. Female genital mutilation in parts of Africa and the Middle East

   • Involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
   • Practiced for cultural, religious, and social reasons, often seen as a rite of passage.
   • Associated with significant health risks and human rights concerns, leading to global advocacy for its eradication.

4. Cannibalism among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea

   • Historically practiced as part of mortuary rituals, where the deceased were consumed to honor them.
   • Linked to the spread of kuru, a prion disease, highlighting the health implications of the practice.
   • The practice has largely ceased due to external influences and health education.

5. Polygamy in some Islamic societies

   • Permitted under certain conditions in Islamic law, allowing men to have multiple wives.
   • Often justified by economic and social factors, including the need for support in large families.
   • Can lead to complex family dynamics and varying degrees of acceptance within communities.

6. Sati (widow burning) in historical India

   • A historical practice where a widow self-immolated or was forced to die on her husband's funeral pyre.
   • Seen as an act of devotion and honor, but also criticized for its oppressive nature.
   • Officially banned in the 19th century, yet remains a symbol of gender-based violence.

7. Infanticide in Eskimo cultures

   • Historically practiced in extreme conditions, often as a means of survival.
   • Infants deemed unfit or unable to contribute to the family’s survival were sometimes abandoned or killed.
   • Reflects the harsh realities of life in Arctic environments and cultural values surrounding resource management.

8. Scarification and body modification practices

   • Involves intentional scarring of the skin for aesthetic, cultural, or spiritual reasons.
   • Common in various cultures as a rite of passage, to signify status, or for beauty.
   • Raises questions about identity, cultural expression, and the boundaries of bodily autonomy.

9. Child marriage in certain societies

   • A practice where children, often girls, are married before the age of 18.
   • Driven by cultural, economic, and social factors, including poverty and gender inequality.
   • Associated with negative health outcomes and limited educational opportunities for girls.

10. Honor killings in some Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures

    • Refers to the murder of individuals, usually women, who are perceived to have brought shame to their family.
    • Often justified by cultural norms surrounding family honor and female behavior.
    • Represents a severe violation of human rights and has sparked international condemnation and advocacy for change.