CULTURAL RELATIVISM

- It is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values, and practices should be

understood and judged within the context of their own culture, rather than
being evaluated according to the standards of another culture.
- This means that there is no objective standard for determining right or
wrong, good or bad, and that moral judgments should be based on the
norms and values of the culture in which they occur.

- Proponents of cultural relativism argue that each culture has its own
unique set of values and beliefs that are shaped by its history, geography,
and social structures. They argue that these values and beliefs are not
inherently superior or inferior to those of other cultures, but are simply
different. Therefore, cultural relativism emphasizes the importance of
understanding and respecting cultural differences, rather than imposing
one's own cultural values on others.

- Critics of cultural relativism argue that it can lead to moral relativism, in

which all moral claims are considered equally valid, regardless of their
cultural context. This can create a moral vacuum, in which atrocities such
as genocide or slavery are considered morally justifiable within their own
cultural context.

(After mabasa at maexplain yung sa proponents at critics, ito next na

explain)
- Despite these criticisms, cultural relativism remains an important concept
in cultural anthropology and sociology, as it helps researchers to
understand and analyze the diversity of human cultures and the ways in
which cultural practices and beliefs influence human behavior.

EXAMPLES OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM

1. FOOD PREFERENCES - Cultural relativism recognizes that food preferences are
shaped by cultural norms and values, and that what is considered acceptable to
eat can vary widely between different cultures. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE
EXAMPLE)
2. GENDER ROLES - Cultural relativism recognizes that gender roles are shaped by
cultural norms and values, and that what is considered acceptable behavior for
men and women can vary widely between different cultures. (READ AND
EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
 3. MARRIAGE CUSTOMS - Cultural relativism recognizes that marriage customs are
shaped by cultural norms and values, and that what is considered acceptable or
desirable in one culture may not be in another. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE
EXAMPLE)
4. ATTITUDE TOWARDS NUDITY - Cultural relativism recognizes that attitudes
towards nudity are shaped by cultural norms and values, and that what is
considered acceptable or appropriate can vary widely between different cultures.
(READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
5. RELIGIOUS PRACTICES - Cultural relativism recognizes that religious practices
are shaped by cultural norms and values, and that what is considered acceptable
or desirable in one culture may not be in another. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN
GIVE EXAMPLE)

KEY ARGUMENTS MADE BY PROPONENTS OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM

1. Respect for cultural diversity - Cultural relativism emphasizes the importance of
respecting cultural diversity, rather than imposing one's own cultural values on
others. This can help to promote understanding and acceptance between different
cultures. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
2. Avoiding cultural imperialism - Cultural relativism can help to avoid the imposition
of one culture's values on another, which can lead to cultural imperialism and the
suppression of local cultural practices and beliefs. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN
GIVE EXAMPLE)
3. Understanding cultural practices - Cultural relativism can help researchers to
understand and analyze the diversity of human cultures and the ways in which
cultural practices and beliefs influence human behavior. (READ AND EXPLAIN,
THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
4. Avoiding ethnocentrism - Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one's own
culture as superior to others. Cultural relativism can help to avoid ethnocentrism
and promote a more objective understanding of cultural differences. (READ AND
EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
5. Cultural preservation - Cultural relativism can help to promote the preservation of
cultural traditions and practices that may be threatened by globalization and other
cultural forces. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)

CRITICS’ ARGUMENTS AGAINST CULTURAL RELATIVISM

1. Universal human rights - Critics of cultural relativism argue that there are certain
universal human rights that should be respected and protected, regardless of
cultural differences. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
2. Moral absolutes - Critics of cultural relativism argue that there are some moral
absolutes that apply to all cultures, regardless of cultural differences. (READ AND
EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
3. Ignoring human suffering - Critics of cultural relativism argue that it can lead to a
lack of concern for human suffering. If we accept all cultural practices and beliefs
as equally valid, we may be less likely to speak out against practices that cause
harm or suffering, such as female genital mutilation or honor killings. (READ AND
EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
4. Promoting cultural hegemony - Critics of cultural relativism argue that it can
actually promote cultural hegemony, where dominant cultures impose their values
and beliefs on minority cultures. By insisting that all cultural practices and beliefs
are equal, cultural relativism can ignore power dynamics and perpetuate
inequality. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE EXAMPLE)
5. Justifying oppressive practices - Critics of cultural relativism argue that it can be
used to justify oppressive practices, such as slavery or apartheid, by claiming that
they are simply part of a cultural tradition. This can make it difficult to challenge
these practices and promote social justice. (READ AND EXPLAIN, THEN GIVE
EXAMPLE)