Question

The existence in some societies of parentally arranged marriage and in other societies of marriage decided by the marrying couple is one example of cultural relativism. What goals do the two practices promote? Does this example support the thesis of ethical relativism, or of ethical universalism or of neither? Analyze opposing arguments, and draw a conclusion

Answer 1

Cultural relativism refers to viewing at beliefs, values, and practices of one culture from its own view point and not from another ethnocentric viewpoint. Practice of marriages arranged by parents in some societies and practice of marriages decided by marrying couple in other societies serve as an example for cultural relativism. If people from one culture view the practice of marriage from its own cultural viewpoint, then it can be said that cultural relativism exists.

Let us consider the above example of marriage practices of different societies. Even though practices of marriage different, both practices have same goal of establishing marital relationship and continuation of family. Marriage in both practices is viewed as essential institution for growth of mankind and to have mutual support to lead life. Here, people from both culture share similar viewpoint about marriages, although practice differs from one to another.

According to ethical relativism theory, there is no common moral norm for many cultures. The practice which is considered as ethical in one culture may not be considered ethical in another culture; hence moral standards should be viewed according to respective culture's viewpoint only. Example: People from one culture where marriage arranged by parents/elders considered as moral standard may not consider marriage decided by marrying couples as ethical norm. This shows ethnocentric view of people and this is opposite to cultural relativism viewpoint.

Ethical universalism refers to considering some norms and values universally ethical standard. Here, universal good and universal bad are viewed regardless of culture. Example: Charity, altruism, valuing peace considered as universal good practice. Hence, if we are looking at universal good from outcome of marriage such as peace, cooperation, love regardless of cultural beliefs, then it can be considered as ethical universalism.

We can conclude marriage practices from different cultures if viewed from ethnocentric viewpoint, then it can be considered as ethical relativism. If these marriage practices viewed from viewpoint of universal good, then it can be considered as ethical universalism.