DO YOU JUDGE OTHER

CULTURES?Ethnocentric vs. Cultural Relativism

ETHNOCENTRISM

The belief that one’s culture and way of life are superior to those of other groups

This attitude causes people to think that other cultures are

- Inferior- Backwards- Immoral- Barbaric

Because people internalize their culture and take it for granted, they may be

hostile toward other cultures

Each group has their culture internalized and this makes each culture feel that

they are superior and ‘correct’

Any group can and often is ethnocentric.

FUNCTIONS OF ETHNOCENTRISM- Pride

- Loyalty

- Cultural Unity

- Sense of belonging

- Reinforces conformity

- Maintains stability

ST. PATRICK'S DAY- Pride

- Loyalty

- Cultural Unity

- Sense of belonging

- Reinforces conformity

- Maintains stability

because of ethnocentrism life is generally orderly and predictable

ethnocentrism is generally dysfunctional

CULTURAL RELATIVISM

The belief that no culture is better than another and that a culture should be

judged by its own standards

Cultural relativism is the opposite of ethnocentrism

An appreciation of cultural relativism is practical and productive.

post-partum sex taboo: the prohibition of a woman from having sexual intercourse for a specified period of time following the birth of a child.

People can overcome cultural barriers and improve communication if they

understand and respect other cultures.

GREETINGS

Respecting other cultures does not require that we remain mute when countries go against

basic human rights.