Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism challenges us to consider that the values and practices of a society must be understood within their own context. This concept pushes us to question our assumptions and opens up a world where right and wrong are not absolute. As we navigate through various cultural norms and values, cultural relativism insists that we suspend judgment and strive for a deeper understanding. This approach not only broadens our perspectives but also enhances our interactions in an increasingly globalized world.

What is Cultural Relativism?

Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual’s beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual’s own culture. This approach discourages judging the behavior and beliefs of people using standards from one’s own culture. It emphasizes that no culture is superior to another and that all cultural norms and values are valid and worth understanding. Cultural relativism promotes greater appreciation and respect for different cultures, encouraging an understanding that practices or norms may vary widely from one culture to another.

Cultural Relativism Examples in Real Life

1. Dietary Practices: In many Asian cultures, eating insects is a common practice, while in Western cultures, this is often viewed with disgust.
2. Clothing Norms: In some Middle Eastern cultures, women wear hijabs as a part of their religious and cultural practice, whereas in Western cultures, wearing such garments might be seen as unusual.
3. Marriage Customs: Arranged marriages are common in some cultures, where family involvement is significant, contrasting with the emphasis on individual choice in many Western cultures.
4. Child Rearing Practices: In some African cultures, communal child-rearing is the norm, where extended family members take an active role, differing from the nuclear family model prevalent in Western societies.
5. Funeral Rites: Tibetan sky burials, where bodies are left to decompose in the open, are a traditional practice, while most Western cultures prefer burial or cremation.

Cultural Relativism Examples in America

1. Thanksgiving Celebration: Thanksgiving is a major holiday in America, celebrated with a feast, which is not observed in many other countries.
2. Individualism: The emphasis on individual rights and self-reliance in American culture contrasts with more collectivist cultures.
3. Fast Food Culture: The prevalence of fast food in American diets is often criticized by other cultures that prioritize home-cooked meals.
4. Tipping Practices: Tipping service workers is customary and expected in America, whereas in many countries, it is not a standard practice.
5. Gun Ownership: The right to bear arms is a significant part of American culture, which is viewed very differently in countries with strict gun control laws.

Cultural Relativism Examples in India

1. Caste System: Traditional social stratification based on caste, although officially abolished, still influences social dynamics in India.
2. Festivals: Celebrations like Diwali and Holi are central to Indian culture and are not observed in many other parts of the world.
3. Vegetarianism: Due to religious and cultural beliefs, a significant portion of the Indian population practices vegetarianism.
4. Arranged Marriages: Arranged marriages are still common, with families playing a major role in selecting partners.
5. Joint Family System: Living in extended family units is common in India, differing from the nuclear family model prevalent in the West.

Cultural Relativism Examples in the Philippines

1. Bayanihan Spirit: The Filipino practice of communal unity and cooperation is unique and contrasts with more individualistic cultures.
2. Fiestas: Vibrant community festivals are an integral part of Filipino culture, celebrating various patron saints and local traditions.
3. Balikbayan Boxes: Sending care packages from overseas Filipino workers to their families back home is a common practice.
4. Respect for Elders: Using honorifics and showing deep respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.
5. Sari-Sari Stores: Small neighborhood convenience stores are a common feature in the Philippines, providing daily necessities to local communities.

Types of Cultural Relativism

Absolute Cultural Relativism

Absolute cultural relativism holds that all cultural practices and beliefs are equally valid, and that we should not judge or criticize them from an external standpoint. This perspective emphasizes the complete acceptance of cultural differences without interference or condemnation, regardless of the practice in question.

Critical Cultural Relativism

Critical cultural relativism recognizes the importance of understanding cultural differences but also acknowledges that not all cultural practices should be accepted uncritically. This approach allows for the critique of harmful or unethical practices while still respecting the context and significance of cultural diversity. It seeks a balance between cultural understanding and ethical considerations, promoting respect for cultural differences while advocating for universal human rights.

Strengths of Cultural Relativism

Understanding Cultural Differences

Cultural relativism promotes the understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. By recognizing that each culture has its own unique practices and beliefs, individuals can gain a deeper insight into the diversity of human experiences and avoid ethnocentric judgments.

Reducing Ethnocentrism

This approach helps reduce ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior to others. By acknowledging that no culture is inherently better or worse, cultural relativism fosters a more inclusive and respectful perspective towards other cultures.

Promoting Tolerance

Cultural relativism encourages tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity. It advocates for the idea that practices and beliefs should be evaluated within their cultural context rather than against the standards of another culture.

Ethical Flexibility

By recognizing the variability of moral and ethical standards across cultures, cultural relativism allows for a more flexible and context-sensitive approach to ethical decision-making. This can be particularly useful in multicultural and international settings.

Enhancing Cultural Sensitivity

Practicing cultural relativism can enhance cultural sensitivity and awareness. It encourages individuals to learn about and respect different cultural traditions, leading to more effective and empathetic interactions in diverse social and professional environments.

Supporting Cultural Preservation

Cultural relativism supports the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. By valuing cultural diversity, it advocates for the protection of cultural practices and languages that might otherwise be marginalized or endangered.

Beliefs of Cultural Relativism

• Contextual Understanding: Cultural relativists argue that all cultural practices have meaning and significance within their own context. What might seem irrational or unjust in one cultural context might be perfectly sensible in another.
• Avoidance of Ethnocentrism: They stress the importance of avoiding ethnocentrism, which is the practice of viewing the world through the lens of one’s own culture and thus considering one’s own culture as central and superior to other cultures.
• Moral and Ethical Subjectivity: From this perspective, morals and ethics are seen as culturally derived rather than universal. Thus, what is considered moral in one society might be seen as immoral in another.

Function of Cultural Relativism

Understanding Diverse Cultural Contexts

Cultural relativism is a principle used in anthropology and sociology that suggests evaluating a person’s beliefs, values, and practices based on their own cultural context, rather than from the perspective of another culture. This approach aims to promote understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, emphasizing that no single culture’s norms or practices are inherently superior to another’s.

Avoiding Ethnocentrism

By advocating for the understanding of cultures within their own contexts, cultural relativism helps to prevent ethnocentrism—the practice of judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one’s own culture. This can lead to a more respectful and equitable interaction between cultures.

Facilitating Open Communication

Cultural relativism encourages open communication and interaction among different cultures. It fosters a more inclusive environment where individuals are more likely to share and learn from each other’s cultural perspectives.

Supporting Human Rights

While cultural relativism emphasizes understanding and tolerance, it also raises complex questions about human rights and moral standards across different societies. It challenges individuals and policymakers to consider how universal rights and cultural practices can coexist or conflict.

What is the Approach of Cultural Relativism?

The approach advocates for suspending one’s own cultural biases and judgments when evaluating or interacting with other cultures. It promotes tolerance and understanding in intercultural dialogue and discourages ethnocentrism, which is the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own culture. By acknowledging the relativity of cultural practices and norms, cultural relativism aims to foster a more pluralistic and inclusive view of the world.

Ethical Theory of Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism is an ethical theory positing that moral standards and values are rooted in and must be understood within the context of individual cultures, rather than judged against a universal criteria. This perspective argues that what is considered right or wrong, good or bad, can vary significantly between societies based on their unique beliefs, practices, and social norms. Therefore, from a cultural relativist standpoint, one cannot declare a cultural practice wrong merely because it differs from one’s own cultural norms. This theory emphasizes understanding and tolerance, but it also faces criticism for potentially allowing harmful practices to continue under the guise of respecting cultural differences.\

History of Cultural Relativism

Early Development

Cultural relativism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the ethnocentric attitudes prevalent in Western societies. It challenged the notion that Western culture was superior to others and emphasized understanding cultures on their own terms.

Franz Boas and His Influence

Franz Boas, a pioneering anthropologist, is often credited with laying the groundwork for cultural relativism. Boas argued against the idea of cultural hierarchy and promoted the concept that cultures should be studied without bias and within their own contexts. His work in the early 1900s significantly shaped the field of anthropology.

Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead

Boas’ students, Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead, further developed and popularized cultural relativism. Benedict’s work, such as her book Patterns of Culture (1934), highlighted the diversity and coherence of different cultural practices. Mead’s fieldwork in Samoa and other regions provided empirical support for the cultural relativist perspective, emphasizing that behavior and norms are culturally constructed rather than biologically determined.

Post-World War II Era

After World War II, cultural relativism gained wider acceptance as scholars and the public recognized the dangers of ethnocentrism and racism. The horrors of the Holocaust and colonialism prompted a reevaluation of cultural superiority and an increased appreciation for cultural diversity.

Contemporary Perspectives

In contemporary anthropology and social sciences, cultural relativism remains a foundational principle. It continues to influence how researchers approach the study of cultures, promoting a more inclusive and respectful understanding of cultural differences. However, debates persist about its limits, especially when it comes to human rights and ethical considerations.

Cultural Relativism vs. Moral Relativism

Aspect	Cultural Relativism	Moral Relativism
Definition	Understanding and evaluating cultural practices in their own context	Belief that morality is subjective and varies among individuals
Focus	Cultures and societal norms	Individual beliefs and moral judgments
Implications	Promotes tolerance and understanding of cultural differences	Suggests that moral truths are not absolute or universal
Key Principle	No culture is superior to another	No objective moral standards
Criticism	Can lead to ethical nihilism or acceptance of harmful practices	Can lead to moral ambiguity and lack of moral accountability
Example	Respecting cultural practices like arranged marriages	Believing that lying can be morally acceptable in some situations
Philosophical Roots	Anthropology and sociology	Ethical subjectivism and skepticism

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

Aspect	Cultural Relativism	Ethnocentrism
Definition	Understanding and evaluating cultural practices in their own context	Judging other cultures based on the standards of one’s own culture
Focus	Promotes cultural understanding and tolerance	Promotes cultural superiority and bias
Implications	Encourages appreciation of cultural diversity	Leads to prejudice and discrimination
Key Principle	No culture is superior to another	One’s own culture is the best or most correct
Criticism	Can lead to ethical relativism and acceptance of harmful practices	Can cause cultural insensitivity and conflict
Example	Respecting cultural practices like arranged marriages	Viewing another culture’s customs as inferior or wrong
Philosophical Roots	Anthropology and sociology	Nationalism and cultural superiority

Limitations of Cultural Relativism

Ethical Dilemmas

Cultural relativism posits that all cultural beliefs and practices are equally valid and should be understood from the perspective of the culture in which they occur. This can lead to ethical dilemmas, as practices considered immoral or harmful in one culture may be accepted in another. For example, practices like female genital mutilation or child marriage can be justified under cultural relativism, despite widespread international condemnation.

Inhibits Moral Progress

By claiming that all cultural practices are equally valid, cultural relativism can inhibit moral progress. If every practice is beyond criticism, then there is no basis for advocating for human rights or for cultural change. This can perpetuate harmful traditions and prevent societies from evolving towards more humane practices.

Conflicts with Universal Human Rights

Cultural relativism often conflicts with the concept of universal human rights. While cultural relativists argue that human rights are culturally specific, proponents of universal human rights argue that certain rights are inalienable and should be protected regardless of cultural context. This conflict makes it challenging to address issues like gender equality, freedom of expression, and the right to education in cultures with differing values.

Impedes Cross-Cultural Understanding

While cultural relativism aims to promote understanding and tolerance of different cultures, it can also impede meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. By asserting that each culture’s practices are beyond criticism, it may prevent individuals from questioning or learning from other cultures. This can lead to cultural isolation and hinder the sharing of ideas and values that can enrich societies.

Justification for Harmful Practices

One of the most significant criticisms of cultural relativism is that it can be used to justify harmful practices. When all cultural practices are deemed acceptable within their own contexts, it becomes difficult to condemn practices that cause suffering or violate individual rights. This can result in a lack of accountability for actions that would otherwise be considered unethical or abusive.

Challenges in Legal and Policy Frameworks

Cultural relativism presents challenges in creating consistent legal and policy frameworks. When cultural norms vary widely, it becomes difficult to establish laws and policies that are fair and just for all citizens. This is particularly problematic in multicultural societies where diverse cultural groups coexist and legal systems must balance respect for cultural diversity with the protection of individual rights.

What is the Argument for Cultural Relativism?

Observation of Diversity: Cultural relativism emphasizes the vast diversity in cultural practices and beliefs across the world. This diversity suggests that people’s views of the world are deeply influenced by their cultural backgrounds, leading to different moral and ethical standards.

Avoidance of Ethnocentrism: It argues against ethnocentrism, which is the practice of evaluating other cultures based on the preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one’s own culture. By promoting a relativist view, it encourages respect for different ways of living and moral decisions.

Understanding and Tolerance: Advocates claim that cultural relativism fosters a deeper understanding and tolerance of cultural differences. This can lead to more peaceful and cooperative international relationships, as well as enhanced mutual respect among diverse groups within pluralistic societies.

Sociological Insight: From a sociological perspective, cultural relativism can be seen as a useful approach for studying societies without imposing external judgments. This can provide more objective insights into the functioning and social structures of different communities.

Ethical Implications: By recognizing that no single moral outlook is superior to another, cultural relativism suggests that individuals should adhere to the norms and laws of their own cultures. This perspective is often used to argue against imposing one culture’s ethics on another, which can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism.

Cultural Relativism in Mental Health

Cultural relativism in mental health acknowledges that mental health and illness are perceived and treated differently across cultures. It posits that behaviors and symptoms considered abnormal in one culture may be seen as normal or even valued in another. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural contexts when diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. By recognizing cultural differences in expressions of distress, coping mechanisms, and healing practices, mental health professionals can provide more culturally sensitive and effective care, avoiding misdiagnosis and ensuring treatments align with the cultural values and beliefs of the individuals they serve.