Question

Define ethnocentrism and discuss the reasons for its existence. What are some of the consequences of ethnocentrism, both negative and positive (there are some)? Using an example of a behavior that is accepted in another culture but would be questioned in American society, describe how you could use cultural relativism and come to understand this different behavior. Then, switch sides and apply cultural relativism. Using the same example, how would you react to this same behavior? (Examples: burial practices, marriage customs, children working, table manners, caring for the elderly.)

Answer 1

Ethnocentrism is the practice of understanding another culture in relation to one’s own culture. This could include the cultural practices, ‘norms’, practices, etc. When one culture is understood in relation to another, it is known as ethnocentrism. Some of the advantages of ethnocentrism could be as follows:

1. Since it involves a sense of cultural identity, solidarity may be enhanced increasing the sense of belongingness for the participants.
2. By fostering a sense of togetherness, those members or participants who were earlier considered inferior are given another chance to hold the hand of other members of the cultural group & carve their space.
3. Since they claim superiority of another culture, they aim at living up to that expectation & living the life that they claimed to do in the spirit of ethnocentrism.
4. This comparison leads to stronger creation of groups which encourages people to marry outside of the groups to discourage consanguineous marriages.

Some disadvantages on the other hand are as follows:

1. In the attempt to create own social identity and competing with one sub-group, the larger cultural practices and ongoing changes are ignored, therefore limiting the outreach of these groups.
2. The sense of differentiations often crates conflict within groups that leads to distress.

Practices such as caring for the elderly are prevalent in Asian cultures, wherein collectivism is on the rise. However, in case individualistic societies, the same is not given priority over personal goals. In India for instance, people prefer to live with parents in their old age & support them in different ways. However, in various other cultures, children tend to move out of their homes once they attain the age of 18 in order to lead an independent life. The underlying belief here differs whereby one believes in a sense of togetherness & the other orientation is towards independent existence rather co-existence. The lens of cultural relativism would however, look at these from different angles within that culture instead of comparing them to another. This means that since the underlying motives of Eastern cultures are largely different from that of Western, they cannot be compared. Rather the practice should be studies within their cultural boundaries to see its prevalence & implications.