Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism is defined as the interpretation of a culture based upon the standards of one's own culture. Cultural relativity, on the other hand, seeks to interpret a culture based solely upon that culture's standards. This is done with no attention given to other cultures. Increasingly, cultural relativity is the preferred means of cultural interpretation for anthropologists.

Ethnocentrism is common both as a social and an anthropological means of interpretation. Generally, ethnocentrism is a universal phenomenon. For example, ethnocentrism can be seen in something as simple as an American citizen stating that the English drive on the "wrong" side of the road. By stating that the other side is wrong, this hypothetical citizen has judged another culture based upon that of the United States.

This becomes a more serious issue in anthropology when it affects the way entire cultures are represented. One well-known researcher accused of an ethnocentric view is Erich von Daniken, a Swiss author and archaeologist. Through his studies, von Daniken concluded that many historical societies, such as the ancient Egyptians, were not as advanced as other cultures. Therefore, he speculated, they could not have completed the Great Pyramids without assistance. This assistance, von Daniken claims, must have come from extraterrestrial beings.

Cultural relativism, on the other hand, essentially reverses the thought process of ethnocentrism. Thus, cultural judgments are based on the realization that there is no universal standard for culture. Cultures are distinctive and equal in terms of value – a position many find difficult to adopt. Cultural relativism requires both knowledge and understanding of cultures, which involves extensive effort and study.

However, the problem is alleviated slightly within field of anthropology. Unlike the general public, anthropologists have the means to gain a deep understanding of cultures through their studies. Therefore, cultural relativism is more easily practiced. Returning to the ancient Egyptians, a cultural relativist would examine Egypt not in terms of the technology understood by one's own culture, but only in terms of the Egyptian culture itself. Thus, one would accept that the Egyptians must have built the pyramids. The focus, then, becomes how they built them.

standard – a basis for judgment

universal – applicable everywhere in the world

hypothetical – imaginary; not real

extraterrestrial – outside of Earth

position – a set of views

extensive – complete

alleviate – to lessen the effects of

B. Answer the following questions.

1. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT true of ethnocentrism?

(A) Anthropologists favor cultural relativity over it.

(B) It is widespread.

(C) It can ultimately lead to more culturally relative ideas.

(D) It applies values globally.

2. Based upon paragraphs 2 and 3, all of the following are true EXCEPT:

(A) Ethnocentrism is seen in non-anthropologic situations.

(B) Von Daniken believed aliens were present in ancient Egypt.

(C) Von Daniken was accused of being ethnocentric.

(D) There is no evidence to refute who built the pyramids.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true of cultural relativism?

(A) It requires an understanding of many cultures.

(B) It does not believe in universal cultural standards.

(C) It studies Egypt only in terms of ancient Egyptian culture.

(D) It is more common than ethnocentrism.

C. Translate all the new words in the text.

D. Summarize the text using the diagram below.

TEXT 2.3 History

A. Read the following passage.