CULTURAL RELATIVISM

vs
ETHNOCENTRISM

After studying the meaning of

culture, how it is learned and
how it shapes moral behavior,
let us focus on cultural
relativism, its meaning and its
strengths and weaknesses.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Cultural Relativism is the view that
moral or ethical systems, which vary
from culture to culture, are all
equally valid and no one system is
really “better” than any other. This is
based on the idea that there is no
ultimate standard of good or evil, so
every judgment about right and
wrong is a product of society.
• Therefore, any opinion on morality or ethics is
subject to the cultural perspective of each
person. Ultimately, this means that no moral
or ethical system can be considered the “best,”
or “worst,” and no particular moral or ethical
position can actually be considered “right” or
“wrong.”
What is cultural relativism?

Relativism says, “what

is true for you is true
for you, and what is
true for me is true for
me”
•Cultural relativism is the idea 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.”
Ethnocentrism
• Ethnocentrism is the belief in the
superiority of one’s own culture.
• it usually results from judging other cultures
by one’s own cultural ideas.
• In ethnocentrism, one may see his/her
culture as the correct way of living.
 Strength and weaknesses of
Cultural Relativism

• There were at least 4 strength of cultural

relativism namely; 1. Promotes Cooperation, 2.
Equality 3. Freedom to pursue interests 4.
Encourages respect.
• Promotes Cooperation: Cultural relativism encourages
cooperation by embracing the differences among
individuals. Each person’s unique perspective, shaped
by upbringing and experiences, contributes to a
stronger society. By recognizing diverse definitions of
success, we can build stronger bonds and achieve
more collectively.
• Equality: In a society based on cultural
relativism, each individual defines their own
moral code without imposing it on others.
This separation allows for equality, as
everyone sets their own standards of
success, free from discrimination
• Freedom to Pursue Interests: Cultural relativism
enables people to pursue their genuine interests
without restrictions. Unlike rigid societal norms,
individuals can focus on their strengths rather
than their weaknesses, leading to personal
growth and fulfillment.
• Encourages Respect: Since cultural relativism
prioritizes individual definitions over group
norms, it fosters respect for diverse ideas and
backgrounds. People from different cultures can
coexist and evolve together.
 WEAKNESSES

• Quietism: Cultural relativism’s emphasis on

subjective meanings and beliefs may lead to
quietism—a passive acceptance of cultural
practices even when they violate human rights.
This reluctance to take action can hinder efforts
to protect fundamental rights.
• Lack of Explanation: While cultural
relativism helps us understand subjective
beliefs, it doesn’t explain their origins or
why certain cultural practices exist. It
focuses on the “what” rather than the
“why” of cultural differences
• Rejects Moral Absolutes: Cultural relativism
rejects the idea of universal moral
absolutes. While this promotes tolerance, it
can also undermine efforts to address
ethical issues that transcend cultural
boundaries.
GRAZIE MILLE