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Cultural Relativism: Definition & Examples Implications Types Assumptions Illustrative Examples Cultural vs. Moral Relativism Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism Controversy Cultural Relativism is the claim that ethical practices differ among cultures, and...

Cultural Relativism: Definition & Examples Implications Types Assumptions Illustrative Examples Cultural vs. Moral Relativism Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism Controversy Cultural Relativism is the claim that ethical practices differ among cultures, and what is considered right in one culture may be considered wrong in another. The implication of cultural relativism is that no one society is superior to another; they are merely different. This claim comes with several corollaries; namely, that different societies have different moral codes, there is no objective standard to judge how good or bad these moral codes are, and that the job of those who study cultures is not to compare these customs to their own, but to describe them. Moral relativism claims that what is customary in a culture is absolutely right in that culture. Cultural relativism is not as strong, sometimes asserting that there is no real way to measure right or wrong. Cultural relativism is contrary to ethnocentrism, which encourages people to look at the world from the perspective of their own culture. While cultural relativism has been the subject of controversy — especially from philosophers — anthropological and sociological studies have led to a widespread consensus among social scientists that cultural relativism is true. Cultural relativism is the principle of regarding the beliefs, values, and practices of a culture from the viewpoint of that culture itself. It states that there are no universal beliefs, and each culture must be understood in its own terms because cultures cannot be translated into terms that are accessible everywhere. The principle is sometimes practiced to avoid cultural bias in research and to avoid judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture. For this reason, cultural relativism has been considered an attempt to avoid ethnocentrism. Cultural Relativism refers to the ability to understand a culture on its own terms and consequently not make judgments based on the standards of one’s own culture. Implications From the cultural relativist perspective, no culture is superior to another when comparing their systems of morality, law, politics, etc. This is because cultural norms and values, according to cultural relativism, derive their meaning within a specific social context. Cultural relativism is also based on the idea that there is no absolute standard of good or evil. Thus, every decision and judgment of what is right or wrong is individually decided in each society. As a result, any opinion on ethics is subject to the perspective of each person within their particular culture. In practice, cultural relativists try to promote the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures, such as eating insects and sacrificial killing. Types There are two different categories of cultural relativism: absolute and critical. Absolute cultural relativists believe that outsiders must and should not question everything that happens within a culture. Meanwhile, critical cultural relativism questions cultural practices regarding who is accepting them and why, as well as recognizing power relationships. Cultural relativism challenges beliefs about the objectivity and universality of moral truth. In effect, cultural relativism says that there is no such thing as universal truth and ethics; there are only various cultural codes. Moreover, the code of one culture has no special status but is merely one among many. Assumptions Cultural relativism has several different elements, and there is some disagreement as to what claims are true and pertinent to cultural relativism and which are not. Some claims include that: Different societies have different moral codes; There is no objective standard that can be used to judge one societal code as better than another; The moral code of one’s own society has no special status but is merely one among many; There is no “universal truth” in ethics, meaning that there are no moral truths that hold for all people at all times; The moral code of a society determines what is right and wrong within that society; that is, if the moral code of a society says that a certain action is right, then that action is right, at least within that society and; It is arrogant for people to attempt to judge the conduct of other people. Instead, researchers should adopt an attitude of tolerance toward the practices of other cultures. Illustrative Examples Food Choices Cultural relativism does not merely relate to morality and ethics. Cultural relativism, for example, explains why certain cultures eat different foods at different meals. For example, traditionally, breakfast in the United States is markedly different from breakfast in Japan or Colombia. While one may consist of scrambled eggs and pancakes and the other rice and soup or white cheese on a corn arepa, cultural relativists seek to understand these differences, not in terms of any perceived superiority or inferiority but in description (Bian & Markman, 2020). Mental Illness One of the biggest controversies concerning classification and diagnosis is that the ICD (the manuals of mental disorders) are culturally biased because they are drawn up and used by white, middle-class men. This means they tend to use definitions of abnormality that are irrelevant to all cultures. For example, Davison & Neale (1994) explain that in Asian cultures, a person experiencing some emotional turmoil is praised & rewarded if they show no expression of their emotions. In certain Arabic cultures, however, the outpouring of public emotion is understood and often encouraged. Without this knowledge, an individual displaying overt emotional behavior may be regarded as abnormal when in fact, it is not. Cross-cultural misunderstandings are common and may contribute to unfair and discriminatory treatment of minorities by the majority, e.g., the high diagnosis rate of schizophrenia amongst non-white British people. Cochrane (1977) reported that the incidence of schizophrenia in the West Indies and the UK is 1 %, but that people of Afro-Caribbean origin are seven times more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenic when living in the UK. Hygienic Rituals Another phenomenon explained by cultural relativism is hygienic rituals. Different cultures may use different modes or methods of disposing of waste and cleaning up afterward. Ritualized ablution, or washing, also differs across cultures. Catholics may dip their fingers into blessed water and anoint themselves at church, and Jewish people may pour water over their hands in a specific way during Shabbat. Although toilet and washing practices vary drastically across cultures, cultural relativists seek to describe these differences, noting that what is customary to culture is not necessarily “right” or “wrong.” Cultural vs. Moral Relativism Cultural relativism is a claim that anthropologists can make when describing how ethical practices differ across cultures; as a result, the truth or falsity of cultural relativism can be determined by how anthropologists and anthropologists study the world. Many sociologists and anthropologists have conducted such studies, leading to widespread consensus among social scientists that cultural relativism is an actual phenomenon (Bowie, 2015). Moral relativism, meanwhile, is a claim that what is really right or wrong is what that culture says is right or wrong. While moral relativists believe that cultural relativism is true, they extend their claims much further. Moral relativists believe that if a culture sincerely and reflectively adopts some basic moral principle, then it is morally obligatory for members of that culture to act according to that principle (Bowie, 2015). The implication of moral relativism is that it is absolutely necessary for someone to act according to the norms of the culture in which they are located. For example, when asking whether or not it is ethical to bribe government bureaucrats, a moral relativist would look for the answer in the norms of how people within their country deal with bureaucracy. If people bribe government officials, then the moral relativist would consider bribery not to be wrong in that country. However, if people do not normally bribe bureaucrats, offering them a bribe would be considered morally wrong. A cultural relativist would posit that while bribery is an ethical norm in the cultures where it is practiced, it is not necessarily morally right or wrong in that culture (Bowie, 2015). Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world largely from the perspective of one’s own culture. This may be motivated, for example, by the belief that one’s own race, ethnic, or cultural group is the most important or that some or all aspects of its culture are superior to those of other groups. Ethnocentrism can often lead to incorrect assumptions about others’ behavior based on one’s own norms, values, and beliefs (Worthy, Lavigne, & Romero, 2021a). Cultural relativism, meanwhile, is principled in regarding and valuing the practices of a culture from the point of view of that culture and avoiding making judgments stemming from one’s own assumptions. Cultural relativism attempts to counter ethnocentrism by promoting the understanding of cultural practices unfamiliar to other cultures. For example, it is a common practice for friends of the same sex in India to hold hands while walking in public. In the United Kingdom, holding hands is largely limited to romantically involved couples and often suggests a sexual relationship. Someone holding an extreme ethnocentrist view may see their own understanding of hand-holding as superior and consider the foreign practice to be immoral (Worthy, Lavigne, & Romero; 2021a). Controversy Cultural Relativism has been criticized for numerous reasons, both theoretical and practical. According to Karanack (2013), cultural relativism attempts to integrate knowledge between one’s own culture-bound reality. The premise that cultural relativism is based on that all cultures are valid in their customs is vague in Karanack’s view. Karanack also criticizes cultural relativism from a theoretical perspective for having contradictory logic, asserting that cultural relativism often asserts that social facts are true and untrue, depending on the culture in which one is situated. Nonetheless, cultural relativism also has several advantages. Firstly, it is a system that promotes cooperation. Each individual has a different perspective that is based on their upbringing, experiences, and personal thoughts, and by embracing the many differences that people have, cooperation creates the potential for a stronger society. Each individual definition of success allows people to pursue stronger bonds with one another and potentially achieve more because there are no limitations on a group level about what can or cannot be accomplished (Karanack, 2013). Secondly, cultural relativism envisions a society where equality across cultures is possible. Cultural relativism does so by allowing individuals to define their moral code without defining that of others. As each person can set their own standards of success and behavior, cultural relativism creates equality (Karanack, 2013). Additionally, Cultural relativism can preserve cultures and allow people to create personal moral codes based on societal standards without precisely consulting what is “right” or “wrong.” However, it can do so while also excluding moral relativism. This means that the moral code of a culture can be defined and an expectation implemented that people follow it, even as people devise goals and values that are particularly relevant to them. Lastly, cultural relativism has been praised for stopping cultural conditions — the adoption of people to adapt their attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs to the people they are with on a regular basis (Karanack, 2013). Despite these advantages, cultural relativism has been criticized for creating a system fuelled by personal bias. As people tend to prefer to be with others who have similar thoughts, feelings, and ideas, they tend to separate themselves into neighborhoods, communities, and social groups that share specific perspectives. When people are given the power to define their own moral code, they do so based on personal bias, causing some people to follow their own code at the expense of others (Karanack, 2013). Nonetheless, cultural relativism promotes understanding cultures outside of one’s own, enabling people to build relationships with other cultures that acknowledge and respect each other’s diverse lives. With cultural relativism comes the ability to understand a culture on its own terms without making judgments based on one’s own cultural standards. In this way, sociologists and anthropologists can draw more accurate conclusions about outside cultures (Worthy, Lavigne, & Romero, 2020). Introduction Our culture is a big reflection of our great and complex history. It is influenced by most of the people we have interacted with. A blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from Chinese, Indians Arabs, and other Asian cultures really contribute to the customs and traditions of the Filipinos.Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries, and beliefs applied every day in the life of the Filipinos reveal how rich and blessed the culture the people have. Filipino Way of Thinking What is it about the Philippines that makes it different from the rest of the world? Well, for one thing, it is all about their culture: When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders, they typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and place the back the elder's hand lightly on their forehead. It is a way of giving respect to the elders and it is believed that is also a way of receiving blessing to the elders.  The Filipinos are one of the most hospitable people you may find anywhere. Foreign visitors in the country are treated with the utmost respect. This trait is usually seen during fiestas and holidays where many Filipinos are giving their best to entertain their visitors well. It is amazing to see that even the simplest home along the road opens its door to a stranger. For Filipinos, to be able to serve others gives them honor of showing true friendship. Filipino hospitality is a trait you can't take away from them The Filipino Customs and Traditions 1) Having close family ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The family takes care of each other and is taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the unique characteristics of Filipinos. Having fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays Such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, All Saints Day, Holy Week, Fiestas, homecomings, birthdays, weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals etc. This is the evidence that Filipino people value not only our cultural tradition but the spirit of our family. As Filipinos, we are blessed to have been brought up with strong family ties. 2. The Bayanihan It is the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. A famous example of this is the neighbors carrying a hut or house to a new location. People nowadays use it to describe an outpouring of community spirit- as people give their all to the common good, without expecting recognition or personal gain. 3. Courtship Serenading or ‘harana’ in Tagalog is one of the most popular forms of courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to a woman. The man himself or his friend played the instrument, usually a guitar, which provides the background music to his song. They would have to wait until the young lady opened a window to listen. It would be up to her if she wanted to invite them in for some refreshment and to chat after the song. 4) Religion The Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic nations in Asia-Pacific. Their habit of going to church and often praying reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion. They are very devoted to religions that sometimes many take the risk of their lives just to touch the Black Nazarene (in Quiapo, Manila). For many, it is just a choice between their faith and fears. Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better lite and their guidance to face every day lite. 5. Superstition  In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs have grown throughout the country. These beliefs have come from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a peso retrain from doing something in particular. These beliefs are part of our culture, for one derives his/ her beliefs from the influences of what his/ her customs, traditions and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to scare people. Some are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs. 6. Marriage and Wedding Customs In the country, marriage is a sacred union of man and woman atter a period of courtship and engagement. It is a sacrament between two people who love each other. For many Filipinos, the eternal quality of dedication to God pervades a truly sacred marriage. A sacred marriage is a covenant between two who love each other in God and with God, whose joining becomes an expression of the desire of each to love and serve God together. 7. Death Death in the Philippines is one of the most important occasions in family life. For many Filipinos, a death of a relative is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the family. To pay respect and honor the relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives, friends, and even relatives working abroad are reunited. The Philippines is the home of some unique death rituals that are partly religious and mostly superstitious. The mourning and the weeping are still present, but a happy and welcoming atmosphere would usually envelop the place to help the deceased on his/ her journey to the afterlife. After the death of a person, a nine-day period of having a novena of prayers and masses offered up to the deceased is held, although the beginning of the ‘siyam na araw’ varies, but usually ends the week after the death. Another period follows after death, the 40-day mourning period. Family members indicate their state of bereavement by wearing a small, black rectangular plastic pin on their left breast or breast pocket area. A ceremonial mass is held at the end of this 40-day period. Common belief states that the soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven after the said period of days. 8. Society The primary ancestors of Filipinos are Malays who came from the Southeastern Asian country. The Philippines is a combined society, both singular and plural in form. It is singular as one nation, but plural in that it is fragmented geographically and culturally. The nation is divided between Christians, Muslims, and other religious-ethno-linguistic groups; between urban and rural people; between upland and lowland people; and between the rich and the poor. Although different in numerous ways, the Filipinos are very hospitable and give appropriate respect to everybody regardless of race, culture and belief. 9. Christmas in the Philippines is considered as one of the biggest holidays in the archipelago.  We earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Nino de Cebu on the third Sunday of January. In one article, Archbishop Cruz told in his Christmas message that "the essence or Christmas is God made flesh, God who has come among us in an act of love that joins humankind to the Living God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas is not gift giving but sharing this special holy day with family. 10. Fiestas Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint. The biggest and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry where the whole country breaks Out in celebrations that can begin long before December. For individual Filipinos, fiestas can be a way of supplicating the heavens or to make amends tor past wrongs. It is a way to celebrate their blessings, commemorate their past and observe solemn religious rituals. Celebrations may take the form of music, dancing, feasting, beauty contests, balls, processions, sports challenges or a host of other events. 11. Living with Parents Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult children living with their parents are another Filipino traditional that make them exceptional. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home atter finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue living with parents until they get married. (Abundo, 2015) Characteristics of a Filipino Culture: Here are some characteristics of the Filipinos that set them apart from any other culture and society: (Dumaraos, 2018): 1. The Filipino people are very resilient Filipinos are known for their ability to bounce back from hardships, such as natural disasters or personal challenges. Despite tough situations, they stay positive and find ways to recover and move forward. 2. Filipinos take pride in their families Family is the cornerstone of Filipino life. Filipinos are proud of their family and place a high value on staying close and supportive, often prioritizing family needs over individual desires. 3. Filipinos are very religious Most Filipinos are deeply religious, especially in Catholicism, and their faith plays a major role in their daily lives. They regularly participate in religious activities like going to church, praying, and celebrating religious festivals. 4. Filipinos are very respectful Filipinos are taught to show respect to others, especially elders. They do this through language (like using “po” and “opo”), gestures like “mano,” and being polite and considerate in their interactions. 5. Filipinos help one another  There is a strong sense of community in Filipino culture. People often come together to help neighbors and friends, especially during difficult times. This value is reflected in the practice of "bayanihan," where people work together to help each other. 6. Filipinos value traditions and culture Filipinos are proud of their rich cultural heritage and keep their traditions alive through festivals, customs, food, and folk practices passed down from generation to generation. 7. Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations Christmas in the Philippines begins as early as September and lasts until January. It’s filled with festive decorations, music, family gatherings, and traditions, making it the longest Christmas season in the world. 8. Filipinos love art and architecture Filipinos express creativity through various forms of art, including visual arts, music, dance, and architecture. From traditional crafts to modern designs, they take pride in their artistic heritage. 9. The Filipinos are hospitable people Hospitality is a key part of Filipino culture. Filipinos warmly welcome guests into their homes and make sure they feel comfortable and cared for. This extends to tourists as well, making visitors feel at home in the Philippines. The Filipino Family Traditional Values: 1. Paggalang (Respect) Filipinos are taught to show respect to elders, parents, and authority figures. This is shown through gestures like saying "po" and "opo" and the practice of "mano" (hand-to-forehead gesture) when greeting elders. 2. Pakikisama (Helping Others) This is the value of getting along with others, being agreeable, and maintaining harmonious relationships. Filipinos avoid conflict and try to be helpful to friends, family, and neighbors. 3. Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude) Filipinos have a strong sense of gratitude toward those who have helped them. If someone does a favor or kindness, the recipient feels an obligation to repay it, sometimes even after many years. 4. Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya (Prioritizing Family) Family): Family is at the center of Filipino life. Filipinos place a high value on family relationships, and decisions are often made with the family’s welfare in mind. 5. Hiya (Shame) Hiya is a sense of shame or embarrassment. Filipinos avoid actions that could bring shame to themselves or their family, and they are conscious of what others think. 6. Damayan system This is a community-based support system, where people help each other, especially during times of need like sickness, death, or financial difficulty. It’s about being there for others when they are struggling. 7. Compassionate Filipinos are caring and empathetic, often going out of their way to help others, even strangers. They show deep concern for the well-being of others. 8. Fun-loving Trait  Filipinos are known for being joyful and finding happiness in life’s simple moments. Despite challenges, they love to celebrate, joke around, and enjoy life with family and friends. Social Values of the Filipinos: The great majority of the Philippine population is bound together by common values and a common religion. Philippine society is characterized by many positive traits: 1. High regard for ‘amor propio’ (self-esteem) Filipinos have a strong sense of self-worth and personal dignity. They avoid actions that could hurt their pride or damage how others see them. Protecting one’s reputation and self-respect is important. 2. Smooth interpersonal relationships Filipinos highly value harmonious relationships. They avoid conflict, criticism, or confrontation to maintain peace and avoid embarrassing others. People strive to be polite, kind, and considerate to keep interactions smooth. 3. Personal alliance system This is the network of personal connections or alliances that Filipinos build with others, often for mutual support. These alliances help in times of need and can be important in achieving personal or professional goals. 4. The Compadre system It’s the practice of building close relationships through becoming godparents ("compadre" or "kumare"). This strengthens social ties between families and creates bonds of loyalty and obligation. 5. Utang-na-loob As mentioned earlier, this is the Filipino sense of indebtedness. When someone does a favor, the person feels obligated to return it, sometimes for life. This system strengthens social bonds but can also create a sense of obligation. 6. Suki relationship This is a special relationship between regular customers and vendors. It’s built on trust and loyalty, where both parties offer special treatment, discounts, or favors to each other. The "suki" system shows the importance of personal bonds even in business. 7. Friendship Friendships are highly valued in Filipino society. Friends are treated like extended family, and people rely on each other for emotional, social, and sometimes financial support. Friendship is a source of joy, loyalty, and trust. Weaknesses of the Filipino Character: 1. Passivity and lack of initiative Some Filipinos wait for someone else to lead or act, avoiding taking responsibility. This can be linked to the hierarchical structure in society where people feel hesitant to challenge authority or make independent decisions. 2. Colonial mentality This stems from the long history of colonization by Spain and the U.S. Many Filipinos tend to value foreign products, culture, and ideas more than their own, believing that what’s imported is automatically superior to local goods. 3. Kanya-kanya syndrome  Filipinos may sometimes prioritize personal gain over group welfare. This can lead to a lack of cooperation, competition within communities, and even mistrust among individuals. 4. Extreme personalism Filipinos can sometimes take things too personally, even when decisions or actions are professional or business-related. Relationships often matter more than rules, which can influence how things get done in the workplace or public spaces. 5. Extreme family centeredness Family is central to Filipino life, often overriding other considerations like work or society. While it strengthens family ties, it can also lead to favoritism and nepotism, affecting fairness in institutions like schools or offices. 6. Lack of discipline This can manifest in everyday habits like disregarding traffic laws, not following queues, or cutting corners. It reflects a difficulty in sticking to rules or long-term goals. 7. Lack of self-analysis and reflection Filipinos sometimes avoid self-criticism or reflecting on their actions, missing opportunities to learn from mistakes or improve themselves. 8. Ningas cogon It's like doing something with a lot of energy and excitement at first, but losing interest or motivation before the task is completed Filipinos may start projects with great energy but often fail to follow through until completion. This "burnout" after an enthusiastic start can lead to unfinished tasks or abandoned plans. 9. Gaya-Gaya Attitude Filipinos tend to imitate trends or ideas from others, especially from abroad, instead of developing original solutions or styles. This is influenced by a desire to fit in or keep up with what’s popular, sometimes at the expense of creativity.