William Graham Sumner

Definition

William Graham Sumner was an American sociologist and a prominent advocate of social Darwinism in the late 19th century. His ideas emphasized the importance of cultural differences and social evolution, positioning him as a key figure in discussions about ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Sumner believed that individuals and societies develop according to their unique cultural contexts, often criticizing ethnocentric views that consider one's own culture as superior to others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sumner coined the term 'ethnocentrism' to describe the tendency of people to view their own culture as the standard against which other cultures should be measured.
2. He argued that societies evolve through competition and adaptation, supporting the idea that cultural practices and institutions are products of their environment.
3. Sumner's views on social Darwinism often led to controversial implications regarding social policies, particularly in relation to poverty and welfare.
4. His work highlighted the need for understanding different cultures on their own terms, paving the way for debates on cultural relativism versus ethnocentrism.
5. Sumner's ideas influenced later sociological thought, including the development of cultural anthropology and discussions about multiculturalism.

Review Questions

• How did William Graham Sumner's concept of ethnocentrism contribute to the understanding of cultural differences?
  • William Graham Sumner's concept of ethnocentrism helped highlight how individuals tend to judge other cultures based on their own cultural standards. By identifying ethnocentrism, Sumner pointed out the biases people have when interpreting diverse cultural practices. This understanding encourages awareness of one's own cultural lens and fosters more open-minded perspectives towards other cultures.
• In what ways did Sumner's advocacy of social Darwinism impact societal views on poverty and welfare during his time?
  • Sumner's advocacy of social Darwinism suggested that societal progress depended on competition among individuals and groups, leading him to argue against welfare policies aimed at helping the poor. He believed that assisting those who are less successful undermines natural selection processes. This perspective significantly influenced public opinion regarding poverty, leading many to view it as a result of individual failure rather than systemic issues.
• Critically analyze how William Graham Sumner's ideas paved the way for modern discussions on cultural relativism and multiculturalism.
  • William Graham Sumner's insights into ethnocentrism laid foundational ideas for modern discussions about cultural relativism and multiculturalism. His emphasis on understanding cultures within their unique contexts encourages a critical examination of biases in evaluating different societies. This shift towards recognizing the value of diverse cultural perspectives informs contemporary debates around inclusion, tolerance, and respect for cultural differences in an increasingly globalized world.

Related terms

Social Darwinism: A theory that applies the concept of natural selection to social, political, and economic issues, suggesting that certain cultures or societies are more evolved than others.

Ethnocentrism:

The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, often leading to misinterpretations and prejudices against different cultural practices.

Cultural Relativism:

The perspective that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture.