Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Essay example 506 Words | 3 Pages. This inclusion is reflected in the laws and customs of the culture. Cultural relativism eliminates the rigidity that societies have in place regarding ethics, conduct, and reasoning. Cultural relativism is the notion that cultural norms and values derive their meaning within a specific social context. We are so trained to judge others in today’s world that we don’t even give it a second thought. When we look at the idea of moral progress, we think of becoming more inclusionary instead of exclusionary. As a methodological tool, cultural relativism seeks to understand cultures within their own context but it does not extend to endorsing the moral legitimacy of any cultural practice. Cultural relativism is defined as “the principle that an individual human’s beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual’s own culture”.What this means is that all of the morals of a society are relative to that culture, and thus should not be judged. We can get angry when something doesn’t go our way, and that puts ourselves and our families at risk. For example if a culture allows wife-beating, then cultural relativism would also have to say that wife-beating is morally acceptable. 4. That is why the idea of cultural relativism often seems to be inviting. In cultural relativism, everyone would be able to use their bathroom of choice OR a culture could state that everyone must use a specific bathroom without exception and there would be complete agreement in either choice. It could limit humanity’s progress. Anyone could harm any other person at any time. There would be no guarantees in a society like this that you would ever be safe. 2. 1 year in England. The reality of this idea, however, is that it would limit our progress. It is wondrous, really, how this world is made up of so many different people belonging to different races or ethnicities. Furthermore, we cannot judge a custom of another society or our own as right or wrong. 1. Americans commonly interpret this gesture as a sign of defiance, mockery, or provocation. Let’s look at an example. People come from different cultures. 3. The only diversity that cultural relativism promotes is the individual perspective. Cultural relativism promotes an individualistic point of view, so although it seems to promote diversity, it actually removes it from a society. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two contrasting terms that are displayed by different people all over the world. 3. No one is ever forced to conform to a specific set of rules or values as a way to achieve success. These cultural relativism pros and cons show that while there are some advantages in setting moral standards at the individual level, there are some sacrifices that society must make as well. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Essay example 506 Words | 3 Pages. Consider a common gesture—sticking out one’s tongue. People who can follow their own moral code because there is no “wrong” or “right” would be allowed to pursue any life they preferred under the theory of cultural relativism. It may be more difficult to decide when the rules need changing in … When conducting anthropological fieldwork, there are some advantages to maintaining cultural relativism, such as striving to not be hierarchical or colonialist in one's approach. You decide, just like everyone else chooses, what is the best course of action to take in every situation. We see this today in the wage gap that women face, the educational opportunities that minority groups face, and the violence we see because of political oppression. The only standards that are in place are … Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two contrasting terms that are displayed by different people all over the world. Most want to see everyone have the chance to pursue happiness in some way. To a large extent, cultural relativism has … They were forced to trade some of their culture. This process stops the slow degradation that all societies face when everyone tries to be just like anyone else. Universalism Versus Cultural Relativism. The moral codes of each person, along with each expectation, are implemented by those who defined themselves through that individuality. No definition of success can be implemented because each is successful in its own way. Show More. If you can’t afford to buy a house, you go rent an apartment. Get help from a subject expert in 3 hours It’s fast! Each person is naturally given the right to pursue life through their own specific perspective and then learn from their experiences in a way that works best for them. An example of ethnocentrism is believing that one's way of traditional dress, such as wearing headscarves and hijabs, is strange or bizarre. Cultural relativism article. While it might seem strange to eat fish soup or stewed vegetables for breakfast in the U.S., in other places, this is … ANSWER: There are many arguments for cultural relativism. Three arguments that are against objective … Cultural Relativism tells us that there is no such thing as universal truth in ethics, and what does exist is the customs of different societies. Cultural relativism is that notion that allows to see the different habits, traits and values of an individual in the relevance of his or her cultural values. Cultural relativism creates an understanding that there are many cultures in the world and that each culture has its own values, beliefs, and practices that have been developed over time in a particular context, either historically, politically, or socially, and that … Each person offers a different perspective on life that is based on their thoughts, education, and experiences. Sort by: Top Voted. People can pursue a genuine interest. The theory of cultural relativism treats each culture as an individual. There could be no real definition of success for humanity because we would all be operating within an individual culture. Lewis, in his description of Hell from The Screwtape Letters, envisions a place where people are constantly going away from each other to avoid the demons that each person has. Difference between Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism is a fascinating consideration. The idea that someone could follow their own moral code at any time because there is no concrete definition of right or wrong would create chaos. Cultural relativism would allow slavery to return to the US South. It would stop employers from paying someone a fair wage – or even paying them a wage at all. Cultural relativism allows opinions and perceptions to become universal truths. What is Cultural Relativism – Definition, Features 3. Examples of Cultural Relativism. You could disobey any of the laws (assuming there were some enforced) because you felt that they were unjustly applied. The decision to act becomes a righteous one because of the individual truth that the culture allowed through the bias it perpetrates. Cultural relativism only works if humanity is perfect. When people are given the power to define their own moral code, then they will do so based on their own personal bias. Really, how this world is made up of so many of our ancestors never possible! 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