Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism are interconnected philosophical concepts that represent two sides of the same coin. Ethnocentrism emerged as a concept among different nations before cultural relativism, which was developed to counteract ethnocentrism. Both notions have their own specific followers, including individuals and nations.
Key Takeaways
- Cultural relativism allows for the understanding of different habits, traits, and values within the context of an individual’s culture, without judgment or comparison to other cultures.
- Ethnocentrism involves considering one’s own culture as superior and judging other cultures by comparing them to one’s own.
- Cultural relativism is generally viewed as a more constructive and positive concept than ethnocentrism, as it promotes a better and unbiased understanding of other cultures and their values.
Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism is the idea that allows the evaluation of different habits, traits, and values of an individual in the context of their cultural values. All nations have their own unique cultural and ethnic values and norms, which differ from one ethnic group or nationality to another. Cultural relativism provides a framework where no culture is considered superior or inferior. All values, norms, and traits are seen in the context of their cultural relevance, recognizing that a value appropriate for one specific culture may be inappropriate for another. This notion does not promote being judgmental or harsh towards any specific cultural values or norms.
Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism, on the other hand, is the extreme opposite of cultural relativism. Adherents of this philosophy not only consider their own culture to be the most supreme but also judge other cultures by comparing them to their own. This concept is in stark contrast to cultural relativism, which focuses on better and unbiased understanding of other cultures and their related values.
Cultural relativism is generally considered to be a more constructive and positive concept compared to ethnocentrism. It allows for the evaluation of an individual’s habits, values, and morals in the context of their cultural relevance, rather than through comparison to one’s own cultural values and the assumption that they are superior.
