Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies, such as how they live and what they eat, rather than of one's own social way of life. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Gender, 130. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Outcome: The Environment and Society, 223. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. 3. Her imposing father kept his distance. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. It involves evaluating other cultures and ethnic groups based on the standards and values of one's own group and viewing them as inferior or less important. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply.See Wiktionary Terms of Use for details. There are very few things that are actually similar between these two views, the only thing that they really have in common is that they are b. . Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. Putting It Together: Race and Ethnicity, 120. A high level of appreciation for ones own culture can be healthy; a shared sense of community pride, for example, connects people in a society. Comparing the Similarities and Differences in the Two - Kibin These views involve examining a culture and all its aspects and evaluating them. 5.5: Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism Her imposing father kept his distance. What are another words for Ethnocentrism? But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Reading: Introduction to Theoretical Perspectives, 15. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own ostensibly advanced cultural values on another culture. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Ethnocentrism | anthropology | Britannica It can take weeks or months to recover from culture shock, and it can take years to fully adjust to living in a new culture. What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. Reading: Charter Schools and Homeschooling, 165. A more modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries while overlooking indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches that are better suited to a particular region. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines, 5. Why It Matters: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 76. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr). Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Other articles where ethnocentrism is discussed: race: The difference between racism and ethnocentrism: racism must be distinguished from ethnicity and ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Culture and Psychology - Maricopa A cross-cultural comparison of ethnocentrism and the intercultural To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. In the United States, its most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a large personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). Xenocentrism: Valuing Other Cultures More Than Your Own - ThoughtCo Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. This is an example of: [reveal-answer q=501221]Show Glossary[/reveal-answer] [hidden-answer a=501221]. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. A more modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries while overlooking indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches that are better suited to the particular region. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and to practice cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. Reading: Socialization Across the Life Course, 68. #ChristianNationalism #nationalism. It helps to remember that culture is learned. Since this judgement is often negative, some people also use the term to refer to the belief that one's culture is superior to, or more correct or normal than, all othersespecially regarding the distinctions that define each ethnicity's cultural identity, such as language, behavior, customs, and religion. The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. Ethnocentrism in social science and anthropologyas well as in colloquial English discoursemeans to apply one's own culture or ethnicity as a frame of reference to judge other cultures, practices, behaviors, beliefs, and people, instead of using the standards of the particular culture involved. 3. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Outcome: Challenges Facing the Elderly, 189. In the United States, for instance, it is often assumed that European products such as wine and cheese are superior to those produced locally. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Another example would be the deforestation of the Amazon Basin as indigenous cultures lose land to timber corporations. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. As nouns the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism is that ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture while xenocentrism is a preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. and not in comparison to another culture culture shock: an experience of personal . European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. An American visiting Italy might long for a real pizza or complain about the unsafe driving habits of Italians compared to people in the United States. is that ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture while xenocentrism is a preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Ethnocentrism can be so strong that when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience disorientation and frustration. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, and not in comparison to another culture cultural universals: patterns or traits that are . What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism | Introduction to Sociology While extreme ethnocentrism may take the same offensive form and may have the same dire consequences as extreme racism, there are significant differences between the two concepts. On the one hand, ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgments of the behaviors of groups or societies. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. This is so, because it is almost impossible to be unbiased while comparing cultures. 1. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Religion, 150. Some travelers pride themselves on their willingness to try unfamiliar foods, like celebrated food writer Anthony Bourdain, while others return home expressing gratitude for their native cultures fare. Ethnocentrism is a way of thinking and perceiving the world that centers on one's own cultural or ethnic group. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. Putting It Together: Work and the Economy, 213. Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. primarily from the perspective of one's own as being superior. Similarities and Differences Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. Xenocentrism - Wikipedia Reading: Lines of Descent and Family Stages, 141. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. 3. Read the full article Oxytocin promotes human ethnocentrismhere. ethnocentrism; xenocentrism; Show Answer. In a more extreme sense, some cultures may idolize . Even the most culturally relativist people from egalitarian societiesones in which women have political rights and control over their own bodieswould question whether the widespread practice of female genital mutilation in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan should be accepted as a part of cultural tradition. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Medicine, 171. Ethnocentric individuals believe that their own ethnicity is centrally important and all other cultures and ethnicity must be judged according to the standards of their own culture. What issues or events might inform this? Ethnocentrism is usually defined as a kind of ethnic or cultural group egocentrism, which involves a belief in the superiority of one's own group, including its values and practices, and often. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. We hope you enjoy this website. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Stratification, 101. 6.8: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Social Sci LibreTexts Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. The Indegenous people of Sagada, in the Philippines, have for thousands of years placed the bodies of deceased people into coffins hung on the cliffs near their villages. Putting It Together: Social Movements, Media, and Technology. Ethnocentrism noun belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. a tendency to evaluate other people, activities, cultures, etc. Music and laughter are examples of: [reveal-answer q=72875]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], http://cnx.org/contents/02040312-72c8-441e-a685-20e9333f3e1d/Introduction_to_Sociology_2e, http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Want to create or adapt books like this? For example, in many countries, religious minorities (religions that are not the dominant religion) often face discrimination. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism, 39. Reading: Introduction to Work and the Economy, 205. 21 Examples of Ethnocentrism - Simplicable Xenocentrism: Concept in Sociology and Examples People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Outcome: Sexual Attitudes and Practices, 132. For instance, Ethan is an ethnocentrist; he considers others' beliefs and practices. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. An American visiting Italy might long for a real pizza or complain about the unsafe driving habits of Italians compared to people in the United States. Reading: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, 109. It may also possess subcultures within it, with their own unique and distinct characteristics. These distinctions and subjective comparisons impart a cultural identity to each ethnicity. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. A traveler from Chicago might find the nightly silence of rural Montana unsettling, not peaceful. It also proposes that no culture has the right to judge another cultures customs and practices and that a culture must be understood in its own terms rather than by the standards of a foreign culture. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. A more modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries while overlooking indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches that are better suited to the particular region. Why It Matters: Sociological Foundations, 10. In terms of sensitivity, ethnocentrism is insensitive to other cultures, while cultural relativism shows high cultural sensitivity. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. They are cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. What issues or events might inform this? Reading: Conflict Perspective on Media and Technology, 242. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Reading: Poverty in the United States, 212. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies which can entail how they live, what they eat, rather than of one's own way of life. 1. Reading: Contemporary Issues in Education, 166. Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term culture shock. In his studies, Oberg found that most people found encountering a new culture to be exciting at first. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. It proposes that all cultures have their own merits and demerits, and hence are of equal value such that there is no concept of cultural superiority. Putting It Together: Government and Politics, 200. Ethnocentrism is a global phenomenon and influences social interaction 1,2.It has been the source of ethnic strains in different regions, such as South Africa and Lebanon 3.It is assumed to be a . Ethnocentrism is a major factor in the divisions among members of different ethnicities, races, and religious groups. Why do you believe this? However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. It helps to remember that culture is learned. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Such characters are called cultural universals. Putting It Together: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 190. Outcome: Reality as a Social Construct, 50. This perception of one's culture in comparison to other's plays a great role in how we perceive the individuals around us and the groups that we are a part of. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Reading: Social Constructions of Reality, 51. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum.