Understanding Cultural Relativism: The Meaning Behind the Concept

Introduction

Cultural relativism is a concept that has been discussed and debated by scholars for decades. At its core, cultural relativism is the view that the beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a society should be understood and judged within the context of that society’s culture. This means that what may be considered right or wrong, good or bad in one culture may not be the same in another. In this article, we will explore the meaning of cultural relativism, why it’s important, and how it can be applied in the real world.

What is Cultural Relativism?

Cultural relativism is a perspective that holds that all cultures have their own internal reasoning for their beliefs and practices and that these beliefs and practices should be evaluated on their own terms within the context of that culture. This means that what might be considered a universally accepted norm in one culture, may not be the same in another.

The concept of cultural relativism is often attributed to Franz Boas, a German anthropologist who observed and studied Indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Boas believed that it was crucial to understand each culture’s unique perspectives and practices in order to appreciate their value and to avoid ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.

Why is Cultural Relativism important?

Cultural relativism is an important concept because it helps us understand and appreciate the complexity of human behavior and beliefs. By recognizing that different cultures have different values and beliefs, we can gain a greater appreciation for diversity and a better understanding of why people behave in certain ways. Moreover, it helps us to avoid making inaccurate judgments about other cultures through the lens of our own beliefs and practices.

Cultural relativism is also important in avoiding cultural imperialism, the imposition of one culture’s beliefs and practices over another culture. Instead, cultural relativism encourages us to approach other cultures with curiosity and openness, valuing their unique perspectives and ways of life.

Applying Cultural Relativism

Applying cultural relativism requires us to suspend our own cultural biases and view other cultures on their own terms. This means that we need to avoid making judgments about other cultures based on our own beliefs and values. Instead, we should strive to understand the reasons why certain practices and beliefs exist within a particular culture.

One example of applying cultural relativism can be seen in the field of medical ethics. Practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) are considered abhorrent in some Western cultures, but are considered a cultural tradition in certain parts of Africa. While FGM is illegal in many Western countries, it is important to recognize that those who practice it do so within a cultural context that is different from our own. Therefore, the application of cultural relativism in this case would require us to understand the historical and cultural reasons behind the practice and work collaboratively with members of that culture to develop strategies for change, rather than imposing our own beliefs and practices on them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cultural relativism is the view that cultural practices and beliefs should be evaluated within the context of that society’s culture, rather than being judged according to one’s own culture or values. This perspective encourages a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human behavior and beliefs and helps to avoid ethnocentrism and cultural imperialism. By applying cultural relativism, we can better understand and appreciate different cultures and work collaboratively towards respect and understanding.