What is cultural relativism in sociology?
Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal. Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context.
What is an example of cultural relativism in sociology?
Cultural relativism explains why, for example, what constitutes breakfast varies widely from place to place. Conversely, our tendency toward sugary cereals and milk or preference for egg sandwiches loaded with bacon and cheese would seem quite bizarre to other cultures.
What is the opposite of cultural relativism?
Ethnocentrism is a theory opposite to cultural relativism. This idea consists of being able to judge another culture. Decide whether one culture is better than another.
What are the examples of cultural relativism?
Cultural relativism tries to counter ethnocentrism by promoting the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures such as eating insects, genocides or genital cutting. Take for example, the common practice of same-sex friends in India walking in public while holding hands.
What is cultural relativism quizlet sociology?
Cultural Relativism. the recognition that social groups and cultures must be studied and understood on their own terms before valid comparisons can be made. Sociology. study of the evolution, development, and functioning of human society.
What is the opposite to relativism?
According to moral relativism, two people from different situations could disagree on whether an action is right or wrong, and they would both be right. What they consider right or wrong differ according to their contexts, and both should be accepted as valid. Moral absolutism is the opposite.
Why is cultural relativism important in sociology?
Using the perspective of cultural relativism leads to the view that no one culture is superior than another culture when compared to systems of morality, law, politics, etc. It is a concept that cultural norms and values derive their meaning within a specific social context.
Why do people believe in cultural relativism?
By recognizing cultural relativism, a person recognizes that his or her culture shapes what is considered beautiful or otherwise, funny or abhorrent, good or bad, tasteful or tacky. Understanding cultural relativism enables one to escape the unconscious bond of their culture which biases their perceptions and reaction to the world.
How does cultural relativism influence society?
How does cultural relativism affect society? Within a particular society, a standard of right and wrong can be inviolate. Cultural relativism maintains that man’s opinion within a given culture defines what is right and wrong. In addition, we would also be prevented from criticizing our own culture’s practices such as slavery.
What are some arguments against cultural relativism?
If someone claims to be a cultural relativist, he/she supports the cultural differences argument that states: different cultures have different moral codes; therefore, there is no objective truth in morality. Furthermore, the argument continues saying that right and wrong are only matters of opinion, and opinions vary from culture to culture.
Is cultural relativism a valid moral theory?
This then proposes a cultural relativism principle, meaning there are no universally valid moral principles, but all moral principles are valid relative to cultural or individual choice…. Living in a world filled with many cultures it would be impossible to create one uniform moral code that could be accepted by everyone.