Cultural Relativism vs Moral Relativism
Distinguishing between cultural relativism and moral relativism can be challenging, as the differences between the two concepts are subtle. To better understand these differences, it is important to first define each term. Our world is full of diversity, with very few universal values and norms applicable to all human beings due to differing nationalities, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Cultural and moral relativism help to acknowledge and understand this diversity.
Cultural relativism refers to the awareness that people’s behavior is influenced by their own culture, and judgments should be based on an individual’s respective culture. Moral relativism, on the other hand, suggests that the morality of an individual’s actions is also relative, depending on the cultural, religious, and philosophical context of a given community. This article explores the differences between these two terms by examining their definitions in greater detail.
What is Cultural Relativism?
Cultural relativism can be defined as the need to view the actions or activities of a specific culture based on the values and norms within that particular cultural context. This means that one cannot judge the behavior or thought patterns of individuals by applying the values of a different culture. This concept is particularly important in anthropological studies, where researchers must interpret behavior within the context of the culture being studied, rather than through their own cultural biases. Cultural relativism also emphasizes that no culture is superior to another, and all cultural norms and values hold equal status.
For example, in rural areas of Asian countries, belief in various gods and spirits is common, with people relying on these entities for healing and protection. While this may seem irrational to someone from a modern, urban context, it is important to understand the rituals and practices through the perspective of those within that specific cultural context – this is the essence of cultural relativism.
What is Moral Relativism?
Moral relativism posits that moral judgments are based on the context in which they occur, with an emphasis on religion, culture, and philosophy. Like cultural relativism, moral relativism asserts that there is no such thing as a universal morality. This denial of universality allows researchers to explore the unique functions of each moral belief. Moral judgments may also shift over time within the same context, with practices considered moral in one time period being deemed immoral in another.
For example, polygamy was once practiced in Sri Lanka to ensure that land remained within the family. However, in modern times, polygamy is seen as immoral, with monogamy being the accepted and moral practice.
Key Takeaways
- Cultural relativism focuses on the awareness that people’s behavior is influenced by their own culture and that judgments should be made based on an individual’s respective culture.
- Moral relativism suggests that the morality of an individual’s actions is also relative, depending on the cultural, religious, and philosophical context of a given community.
- Both cultural and moral relativism reject the idea of universal values and norms.
