Cultural relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the concept that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This idea emphasizes the importance of context and perspective in evaluating cultural practices, promoting an understanding that different societies have distinct norms and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism plays a crucial role in anthropology by encouraging researchers to avoid bias and approach cultures with an open mind.
2. Zora Neale Hurston employed cultural relativism in her work, emphasizing the need to appreciate African American folklore within its own cultural context.
3. This perspective helps combat stereotypes and misconceptions about marginalized groups by advocating for their narratives to be understood from their own experiences.
4. Cultural relativism can lead to debates around moral issues, as it raises questions about whether certain practices can be deemed unacceptable in a broader human rights context.
5. In queer anthropology, cultural relativism is important for understanding diverse expressions of gender and sexuality without imposing Western norms.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism influence the way anthropologists study different cultures?
  • Cultural relativism significantly influences anthropological research by urging scholars to approach cultures without preconceived notions or biases. It encourages anthropologists to immerse themselves in the cultural practices and beliefs of the people they study, leading to a more nuanced understanding of those societies. This approach helps highlight the complexities within cultures and avoids simplistic or judgmental interpretations based on one's own cultural standards.
• Discuss the implications of Zora Neale Hurston's use of cultural relativism in her portrayal of African American folklore.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's application of cultural relativism allowed her to present African American folklore authentically, emphasizing its value and significance within its cultural context. By recognizing the richness of these stories and their connections to African American identity, she challenged dominant narratives that marginalized Black voices. Her work highlights how understanding culture from within its context not only preserves its integrity but also elevates its importance in the broader tapestry of American literature.
• Evaluate the potential conflicts that arise when applying cultural relativism in discussions about human rights within queer anthropology.
  • When applying cultural relativism in queer anthropology, conflicts can emerge regarding practices that may violate universal human rights standards. While cultural relativism advocates for understanding behaviors within their specific contexts, it raises challenging questions about whether certain practices, such as discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, can be justified culturally. Evaluating these tensions requires a balance between respecting cultural differences and advocating for the protection of individual rights, highlighting the complexities inherent in navigating these discussions.

Related terms

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to others and the tendency to use one's own cultural norms to evaluate other cultures.

Queer Anthropology: A subfield of anthropology that explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and culture, often challenging normative assumptions about identity and social structures.

Cultural Context: The environment or setting that shapes a culture's beliefs, values, and practices, influencing how individuals within that culture perceive their world.