Give your thoughts on child marriage and female circumcision. What is the role of culture in moral behavior? Differentiate Cultural relativism and Ethnocentrism.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an essay that discusses child marriage and female circumcision, explores the relationship between culture and moral behavior, and distinguishes between cultural relativism and ethnocentrism.
Answer
Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism affect views on child marriage and FGM. Relativism understands these within cultural contexts, ethnocentrism judges based on one's own culture. Both practices are seen as violations of universal rights.
Child marriage and female circumcision, often termed female genital mutilation (FGM), are complex issues deeply rooted in cultural practices. Cultural relativism suggests understanding these practices within their cultural contexts, without imposing outside values. Ethnocentrism, on the contrary, involves evaluating other cultures based on one's own cultural standards, often viewing one's own culture as superior. While cultural influences shape moral behavior, this does not mean universally accepted human rights should be compromised. Balancing cultural respect with universal human rights is essential.
Answer for screen readers
Child marriage and female circumcision, often termed female genital mutilation (FGM), are complex issues deeply rooted in cultural practices. Cultural relativism suggests understanding these practices within their cultural contexts, without imposing outside values. Ethnocentrism, on the contrary, involves evaluating other cultures based on one's own cultural standards, often viewing one's own culture as superior. While cultural influences shape moral behavior, this does not mean universally accepted human rights should be compromised. Balancing cultural respect with universal human rights is essential.
More Information
Both child marriage and FGM are often justified under cultural customs or traditional beliefs, but they are recognized globally as violations of human rights. Cultural relativism can offer insight into why such practices exist, while ethnocentrism can lead to rejecting or not fully understanding their cultural contexts.
Tips
Confusing cultural relativism and ethnocentrism can lead to oversimplified views. Cultural relativism isn't about moral acceptance but understanding, while ethnocentrism often involves biased judgment.
Sources
- Anthropologists, Cultural Relativism, and Universal Rights - Sandiego - home.sandiego.edu
- Cultural relativism and female genital mutilation - Practical Ethics - blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk
- Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism | Difference & Relationship - study.com
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