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Ethnocentrism, Xenocentrism and Cultural Relativism
Ethnocentrism, Xenocentrism and Cultural Relativism
Subject Sociology
cultural relativism
Explanation:
Ethnocentrism often leads to incorrect assumptions about others’ behavior based on
your own norms, values, and beliefs. In extreme cases, a group of individuals may see
another culture as wrong or immoral and because of this may try to convert, sometimes
forcibly, the group to their own ways of living. War and genocide could be the
devastating result if a group is unwilling to change their ways of living or cultural
practices.
Examples:
1. Language bias, where individuals perceive their native language as superior to
others. This can lead to the dismissal or devaluation of other languages, making it
challenging for intercultural communication and understanding.
2. Cultural Norms: Ethnocentric individuals may judge and criticize the cultural
norms and practices of other societies based on their own standards. For example,
considering a particular cuisine, traditional clothing, or social etiquette as strange or
inferior because it differs from their own cultural practices.
3. Judge religion: Ethnocentric people Judge religious rituals of other cultures e.g
Causes of Ethnocentrism:
Following are the causes of cultural Ethnocentrism
Societal Norms and Media Influence: Societal norms and media portrayals can
shape ethnocentric attitudes. Media representations that reinforce stereotypes, promote
cultural superiority, or emphasize "us vs. them" narratives can influence individuals'
perceptions and attitudes towards other cultures.
Positive Impact:
Ethnocentrism can foster a sense of identity, pride, and unity within a cultural
group.
It can help maintain cultural traditions, values, and heritage, which can be
essential for social cohesion.
Ethnocentrism, when tempered with curiosity and openness, can lead to cultural
exchange and learning. By valuing one's own culture, individuals may become
more interested in understanding and appreciating other cultures, fostering
cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Negative Impact:
Xenocentrism:
Definition:
The term Xenocentrism is coined by Robert G. Burnight and Donald P.Kent in
1952.
“A belief or thinking that other cultures or foreign cultures are superior to one`s
own culture”.
OR
“In this preference for product, styles or ideas of someone else`s culture rather
than of one`s own culture”.
Explanation:
Xenocentrism is a concept that explores the tendency of individuals or societies
to place higher value, prestige, or importance on products, ideas, practices, or
cultural elements that originate from foreign cultures rather than their own.
Examples of Xenocentrism:
1. Fashion and Trends: Individuals who adopt and emulate fashion trends,
clothing styles, or aesthetics from foreign cultures while disregarding their own
cultural heritage.
2. Language Preference: Valuing and prioritizing the use of foreign languages
over one's native language, considering them more sophisticated or prestigious.
3. Cultural Practices: Holding foreign cultural practices, rituals, or traditions in
higher regard and actively participating in them while neglecting or devaluing
similar practices in one's own culture.
4. Education and Intellectual Ideas: Prioritizing academic or intellectual theories,
ideas, or knowledge from foreign scholars or institutions, while undermining local
or indigenous knowledge
Causes of Xenocentrism:
Cultural Perceptions:
Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and preferences. The portrayal
of foreign cultures as glamorous, modern, or superior in media can influence
individuals' attitudes and lead to the admiration and preference for those cultures
over their own.
The allure of novelty and the exotic can be a driving factor in xenocentrism. People
may be drawn to foreign cultures due to their perceived uniqueness, unfamiliarity, or
excitement, seeking experiences that are distinct from their own cultural
environment.
Socioeconomic Factors:
Cultural trends and social influences can shape preferences and attitudes. If a
particular culture or cultural practices become popular or trendy, individuals may
develop a preference for those cultures as a result of societal influence.
Xenocentrism have both positive and negative impacts on society. Here are the
positive and negative impacts of xenocentrism:
Positive Impacts:
Technological Advancement:
Embracing foreign technologies can drive technological advancement within a
society. Adopting innovative ideas and practices from different cultures can
contribute to progress in various fields, such as science, medicine, engineering, and
information technology.
Negative Impacts:
Cultural Appropriation:
Xenocentrism can contribute to cultural appropriation, where elements of a culture
are borrowed or adopted without proper understanding or respect for their cultural
significance. This can lead to the commodification or misrepresentation of cultural
practices and artifacts, causing harm and disrespect to the cultures being
appropriated.
Cultural Relativism:
Definition:
The term Relativism is introduced by Franz Boaz in 20 th century who was a
German - American anthropologist. He gave this concept to counter the
ethnocentrism which was at peak at that time.
“The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through
the lens of one`s own culture”.
Explanation:
Cultural relativism recognizes that different cultures have diverse perspectives on
morality, ethics, and social norms. It emphasizes the importance of understanding
cultural differences and avoiding over judgments and criticism. Cultural relativism
promotes tolerance, acceptance, and an open-minded approach to diverse cultural
practices and beliefs.
According to Cultural relativism there is nothing wrong and right. In other words, 'right'
and 'wrong' are culture-specific and what is considered moral in one society may be
considered immoral in another. Therefore, any cultural practice should be evaluated and
understood within its own cultural context, rather than judged against the criteria of
another culture.
Cultural relativism doesn't mean that all practices in all cultures are equally acceptable
or that we can't criticize any cultural practices. It just encourages understanding that
cultural norms and values are influenced by a specific cultural context and should be
understood as such.
Examples:
1. Attitudes towards time:
Food preferences and taboos can vary widely across cultures. Some
cultures consider certain foods to be delicacies, while others may find
them repulsive. For example, in some cultures, consuming insects is a
common practice, whereas it is considered taboo in others.
Types:
Cultural relativism can be categorized into two main types:
Positive points:
Respect for cultural diversity: Cultural relativism encourages individuals and societies
to appreciate and respect the diversity of human cultures worldwide.
Negative points:
Human rights concerns: Critics argue that cultural relativism can be problematic when
cultural practices violate fundamental human rights, such as gender inequality,
discrimination, or harmful traditional practices.
Moral relativism dilemma: The idea that all cultural beliefs and practices are equally
valid can lead to a moral relativism dilemma, where it becomes challenging to condemn
or address morally objectionable practices in certain cultures.