8 Questions
What is a common criticism of cultural relativism?
It overlooks the existence of human rights violations in some cultures
According to cultural relativism, how should individuals approach unfamiliar cultural practices?
By seeking to understand them within the context of the culture in which they occur
Which term describes the opposite view of cultural relativism?
Ethnocentrism
What is the central concept of cultural relativism?
The principle that each culture must be understood on its own terms
In a situation where a culture practices a tradition that involves animal sacrifice, what stance would cultural relativism take?
It would support and defend the practice of animal sacrifice as morally acceptable within that culture
Considering the concept of cultural relativism, how should individuals evaluate practices such as forced child marriages in certain cultures?
They should understand forced child marriages within the context of the culture in which it occurs
If someone believes that cultural relativism implies that all cultural practices are equally valid, what misconception does this belief reflect?
The misconception that cultural relativism implies moral relativism
What is a possible consequence of misinterpreting cultural relativism as absolute tolerance for all cultural practices?
Cultural imperialism and the oppression of minority cultures
Study Notes
Cultural Relativism
- A common criticism of cultural relativism is that it can be used to justify harmful or oppressive practices.
- According to cultural relativism, individuals should approach unfamiliar cultural practices with an open mind and avoid judging them based on their own cultural biases.
- The opposite view of cultural relativism is known as moral absolutism.
- The central concept of cultural relativism is that cultural practices and values are relative to the cultural context in which they exist and should be evaluated within that context.
- If a culture practices a tradition that involves animal sacrifice, cultural relativism would take the stance that it should be understood and respected as part of that culture, without judgment.
- Regarding practices like forced child marriages, cultural relativism suggests evaluating them within the cultural context in which they occur, considering the cultural norms and values that underpin them.
- Believing that cultural relativism implies that all cultural practices are equally valid reflects a misconception, as cultural relativism advocates for understanding and respecting cultural differences, not necessarily condoning or endorsing harmful practices.
- A possible consequence of misinterpreting cultural relativism as absolute tolerance for all cultural practices is that it can lead to the neglect of human rights and the perpetuation of harmful practices.
Test your understanding of cultural relativism with this situational exam. Explore the central concept, criticisms, and different viewpoints related to cultural relativism.
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