essay about understanding cultural relativism in our society

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Understanding Cultural Relativism and Its Importance

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with medically underserved communities.

Bartosz Hadyniak/E+/Getty

Beliefs of Cultural Relativism

• Limitations
• In Mental Health

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

• How to Promote

Cultural relativism suggests that ethics, morals, values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors must be understood within the context of the culture from which they arise. It means that all cultures have their own beliefs and that there is no universal or absolute standard to judge those cultural norms. 

"Cultural relativism leads us to accept that cultures are foundationally different , with differing social and ethical norms. This includes understanding that a person’s place of birth, including where or how a patient was raised during their formative years, is the basis of a person’s approach to the world and emotional self," says Anu Raj, PsyD , a clinical psychologist at New York Institute of Technology.

Advocates of cultural relativism suggest that one culture's values, beliefs, and norms should not be judged through the lens of another culture.

It is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which involves judging or understanding cultural beliefs from the perspective of your own. Instead, cultural relativism suggests that observers and researchers should focus on describing those practices without attempting to impose their own biases and judgments upon them.

History of Cultural Relativism

The concept of cultural relativism was introduced by anthropologist Franz Boas in 1887. While he did not coin the term, it later became widely used by his students to describe his anthropological perspective and theories.

Cultural relativism suggests that:

• Different societies have their own moral codes and practices.
• Norms, beliefs, and values must be judged and understood from the context of the culture where they originate.
• No culture is objectively better than others; cultures and their customs and beliefs are not objectively superior or inferior to any other culture.
• Practices and behaviors considered acceptable or unacceptable vary from one culture to the next.
• Cultural relativism aims to help promote acceptance, tolerance, and an appreciation for diverse cultural beliefs and practices.
• No universal ethical or moral truths apply to all people in all situations.
• What is considered right and wrong is determined by society’s moral codes.
• Researchers and observers should strive to observe behavior rather than pass judgments on it based on their own cultural perspective.

Different Types of Cultural Relativism

There are two distinct types of cultural relativism: absolute cultural relativism and critical cultural relativism.

Absolute Cultural Relativism

According to this perspective, outsiders should not question or judge cultural events. Essentially, this point of view proposes that outsiders should not criticize or question the cultural practices of other societies, no matter what they might involve.

Critical Cultural Relativism

Critical cultural relativism suggests that practices should be evaluated in terms of how and why they are adopted. This perspective suggests that cultural practices can be evaluated and understood by looking at factors such as the historical context and social influences.

It also recognizes that all societies experience inequalities and power dynamics that influence how and why certain beliefs are adopted and who adopts them.

Strengths of Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism has a number of benefits that can help people gain greater insight into different cultures. This perspective can help:

• Promote cultural understanding : Because cultural relativism encourages seeing cultures with an open mind, it can foster greater empathy , understanding, and respect for cultures different from ours. 
• Protect cultural respect and autonomy : Cultural relativism recognizes that no culture is superior to any other. Rather than attempting to change other cultures, this perspective encourages people to respect the autonomy and self-determinism of other cultures, which can play an important role in preserving the heritage and traditions of other cultures.
• Foster learning : By embracing cultural relativism, people from different backgrounds are able to communicate effectively and create an open dialogue to foster greater learning for other cultures of the world.

Cultural relativism can also be important in helping mental health professionals deliver culturally competent care to clients of different backgrounds.

"What’s considered “typical and normal versus pathological” depends on cultural norms. It varies between providers and patients; it impacts diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis," Raj explains.

When mental health professionals account for the differences in values, and attitudes towards and of marginalized people (including communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities), providers develop respect for individual patients. Consequently, patients are less likely to be misdiagnosed and more likely to continue treatment.

Limitations of Cultural Relativism

While cultural relativism has strengths, that does not mean it is without limitations.

Failure to Address Human Rights

This perspective has been criticized for failing to address universal rights. Some suggest that this approach may appear to condone cultural practices that constitute human rights violations. It can be challenging to practice non-judgment of other cultures while still protecting people’s right to live free from discrimination and oppression.

Cultural relativism may sometimes hamper progress by inhibiting the examination of practices, norms, and traditions that limit a society’s growth and progress.

Reducing Cultures to Stereotypes

Cultural relativism sometimes falls victim to the tendency to stereotype and simplify cultures. Rather than fully appreciating the full complexity and diversity that may exist within a culture, people may reduce it to a homogenous stereotype. This often prevents outsiders from seeing the many variations that may exist within a society and fully appreciating the way cultures evolve over time.

Individual Rights vs. Cultural Values

This perspective may sometimes lead observers to place a higher priority on a culture’s collective values while dismissing individual variations. This might involve, for example, avoiding criticism of cultures that punish political dissidents who voice opposition to cultural norms, and practices.

Examples of Cultural Relativism

In reality, people make cultural judgments all the time. If you've ever eaten food from another culture and described it as 'gross' or learned about a specific cultural practice and called it 'weird,' you've made a judgment about that culture based on the norms of your own. Because you don't eat those foods or engage in those practices in your culture, you are making culture-biased value judgments.

Cultural differences can affect a wide range of behaviors, including healthcare decisions. For example, research has found that while people from Western cultures prefer to be fully informed in order to make autonomous healthcare conditions, individuals from other cultures prefer varying degrees of truth-telling from medical providers.

An example of using cultural relativism in these cases would be describing the food practices of a different culture and learning more about why certain foods and dishes are important in those societies. Another example would be learning more about different cultural practices and exploring how they originated and the purpose they serve rather than evaluating them from your own cultural background. 

In medical settings, healthcare practitioners must balance the interests and autonomy of their patients with respect and tolerance for multicultural values.

Cultural Relativism in Mental Health

Cultural relativism can also play an important role in the practice and application of mental health. "An individual’s perception of mental health, including stigma, is often influenced by their cultural identity and social values," explains Raj.

People who experience cultural discrimination are also more likely to experience higher stress levels, which can seriously affect mental health. Research has shown that perceived discrimination increases psychological distress and predicts symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also contributes to worse physical health, including a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke.

Therapists must strive to understand people from different backgrounds to provide culturally competent care. "Through the lens of cultural competency, providers can educate themselves and elevate the plethora of coping mechanisms that a patient already might possess," says Raj. 

Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism are two contrasting perspectives that can be used to evaluate and understand other cultures.

Ethnocentrism involves judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture, often leading to a biased or prejudiced perspective .

Where cultural relativism suggests that all cultures are equally valid, ethnocentrism involves seeing your own culture as superior or more correct than others.

Cultural relativism emphasizes the importance of diversity and recognizes that values, beliefs, and behaviors can vary across societies. This can be contrasted with ethnocentrism, which promotes the idea that your own culture is the norm or benchmark against which others should be evaluated. This can limit understanding and decrease tolerance for people of different backgrounds. 

How Do You Promote Cultural Relativism?

There are a number of strategies that can help promote cultural relativism. This can be particularly important for mental health professionals and other healthcare practitioners. 

"Therapists must be able to view the world through the eyes of their patients. Most importantly, culturally competent therapists understand their patient’s behavior through the cultural framework in which they live," Raj says.

Promoting cultural relativism involves adopting an open-minded and respectful approach toward other cultures. Some things you can do to foster greater cultural relativism:

• Embrace cultural diversity : Strive to appreciate other cultures, including their unique values, traditions, and perspectives. Remember that diversity enriches our lives, experiences, and world knowledge.
• Learn more about other cultures : Take the time to explore cultures other than your own, including histories, traditions, and beliefs. Resources that can help include books, documentaries, and online resources.
• Practice empathy : Seek to understand others by imagining things from their perspective. Try to understand their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Cultivate empathy and respect for the differences between people and cultures.
• Seek diversity : Make an active effort to spend more time with people from different walks of life. Talk to people from diverse backgrounds and approach these discussions with an open mind and a desire to learn. Be willing to share your own perspectives and experiences without trying to change others or impose your beliefs on them.
• Challenge biases : Try to become more aware of how your unconscious biases might shape your perceptions and interactions with others. Practicing cultural relativism is an ongoing process. It takes time, open-mindedness , and a willingness to reflect on your biases.

Promoting Cultural Relativism Among Mental Health Professionals

How can therapists apply cultural relativism to ensure they understand other cultural perspectives and avoid unintentional biases in therapy?   

A 2019 study found that the ideal training for therapists included graduate coursework in diversity, supervised clinical experiences working with diverse populations, experiential activities, didactic training, and cultural immersion when possible.

Avoiding Bias in Therapy

Raj suggests that there are important questions that professionals should ask themselves, including:

• How do I identify?
• How does my patient identify? 
• What prejudices or biases am I holding? 
•  Are there biases or stereotypes I hold based on my own upbringing and culture? 

She also suggests that therapists should always be willing to ask about client involvement in treatment planning. She recommends asking questions such as: 

• What approaches have been successful or failed in the past? 
• How does the patient perceive their ailment? 
• What were the results of the patient’s previous coping mechanisms? 
• How does the patient’s culture drive their behavior, coping skills, and outcomes?

By making clients an active part of their treatment and taking steps to understand their background better, therapists can utilize cultural relativism to deliver more sensitive, informed care.

The New Republic. Pioneers of cultural relativism )

Kanarek J. Critiquing cultural relativism . The Intellectual Standard. 2013;2(2):1.

Rosenberg AR, Starks H, Unguru Y, Feudtner C, Diekema D. Truth telling in the setting of cultural differences and incurable pediatric illness: A review . JAMA Pediatr . 2017;171(11):1113-1119. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.2568

Williams DR, Lawrence JA, Davis BA, Vu C. Understanding how discrimination can affect health . Health Serv Res . 2019;54 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):1374-1388. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.13222

Benuto LT, Singer J, Newlands RT, Casas JB. Training culturally competent psychologists: Where are we and where do we need to go ? Training and Education in Professional Psychology . 2019;13(1):56-63. doi:10.1037/tep0000214

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives

This essay is about cultural relativism, a concept introduced by Franz Boas that advocates understanding a person’s beliefs, values, and practices within the context of their own culture rather than judging them against another culture’s standards. It challenges ethnocentrism and promotes appreciation for the diversity of human societies. The essay discusses the importance of cultural relativism in fostering mutual understanding, particularly in the realm of moral and ethical differences across societies. It also addresses the criticisms of cultural relativism, emphasizing the need to balance respect for cultural differences with upholding universal human rights. Personal experiences and academic interests highlight the practical applications of cultural relativism in promoting intercultural understanding and effective international development.

How it works

Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood, I was constantly exposed to a myriad of traditions, languages, and worldviews. This early exposure laid the foundation for my deep interest in cultural relativism, a concept that I believe is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and respect in our increasingly globalized world.

Cultural relativism is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person’s own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture.

This concept was first introduced by Franz Boas in the early 20th century and has since become a fundamental principle in anthropology. Boas argued that cultures cannot be objectively ranked as higher or lower, better or worse, because each culture develops its own set of norms and values that are internally coherent and meaningful to its members.

The significance of cultural relativism lies in its challenge to ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior and to use it as a benchmark for judging other cultures. Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstanding and conflict, as it fosters prejudice and discrimination against those who are different. By adopting a culturally relativistic perspective, we can begin to appreciate the rich diversity of human societies and recognize that different ways of life are not inherently inferior or superior, but simply different.

One of the most compelling aspects of cultural relativism is its application in understanding moral and ethical differences across societies. For instance, practices such as arranged marriages, dietary restrictions, or rituals that may seem unusual or even objectionable to outsiders can be better comprehended when viewed through the lens of cultural relativism. This approach encourages us to consider the historical, environmental, and social contexts that shape these practices, leading to a more empathetic and nuanced understanding.

However, cultural relativism is not without its critics. Some argue that it can lead to moral relativism, where all practices are seen as equally valid, potentially excusing harmful behaviors such as human rights abuses. The challenge, therefore, lies in finding a balance between respecting cultural differences and upholding universal human rights. This delicate balance requires critical reflection and dialogue, acknowledging that while cultures are diverse, certain ethical principles, such as the prohibition of torture or the protection of children, are widely upheld across cultures.

My personal journey with cultural relativism has profoundly influenced my academic and professional aspirations. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in a study abroad program in Ghana, where I lived with a host family and immersed myself in the local culture. This experience was transformative, as it allowed me to observe firsthand the ways in which cultural norms shape daily life. I learned to navigate the complexities of cultural differences, from understanding local customs to grappling with my own biases and assumptions.

These experiences have solidified my commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and cooperation. I am particularly interested in how cultural relativism can inform policies and practices in international development. Too often, development initiatives fail because they impose external solutions without considering local contexts and knowledge. By adopting a culturally relativistic approach, development practitioners can design interventions that are more respectful, inclusive, and ultimately more effective.

In conclusion, cultural relativism offers a powerful framework for understanding and appreciating the diversity of human cultures. It challenges us to move beyond ethnocentric judgments and to engage with different ways of life with empathy and openness. While it requires careful navigation to avoid moral relativism, cultural relativism remains an essential tool for fostering global understanding and cooperation. My experiences have shown me the profound impact that this perspective can have, and I am eager to continue exploring its applications in my future studies and career.

Cite this page

Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives. (2024, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/

"Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives." PapersOwl.com , 21 Jul 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/ [Accessed: 25 Oct. 2024]

"Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives." PapersOwl.com, Jul 21, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/

"Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives," PapersOwl.com , 21-Jul-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/. [Accessed: 25-Oct-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Understanding Cultural Relativism: Embracing Diverse Perspectives . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/understanding-cultural-relativism-embracing-diverse-perspectives/ [Accessed: 25-Oct-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals Essay

Culture plays a significant role in human life, especially it is reflected in the formation of the worldview and ways of interaction with people. To study this connection, the concept of cultural relativism was introduced, which examines how the cultural environment shapes the human point of view. Consequently, the thesis of this paper is to focus on the fact that the study of this aspect is valuable for gaining an understanding of the impact of culture on the beliefs and practices of individuals. This is also due to the fact that this phenomenon is found in everyday life and can make a great contribution to limiting prejudice and false judgments about another’s culture.

First of all, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of what constitutes a topic under study. Research stated that cultural relativism is “the principle that cultures should be allowed to define their own values” (Eriksen, 2017, p. 1142). In other words, it implies that culture has a significant impact on how one’s worldview and point of view are shaped. It is valuable because it promotes awareness of the need to set aside prejudices and personal judgments about the culture of others. For example, an Englishman might consider holding hands in public as a sign of a romantic relationship, when in India this gesture is an indicator of close friendship (“Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism,” n.d.). This instance shows that acquiring knowledge about other countries can limit possible contradictions and misunderstandings in society. Thus, cultural relativism promotes awareness of cultural differences and peculiarities of nations and peoples. This is due to the fact that this phenomenon focuses on the influence of such an aspect as culture on the formation of personality and perception of the world.

Eriksen, T. H. (2017). Global citizenship and the challenge from cultural relativism . Etnoantropološki problemi/Issues in Ethnology and Anthropology, 12 (4), 1141-1151. Web.

Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism . (n.d.). Web.

• The Russian Holidays: Immigrant Identity
• Globalization: Deeply Rooted in The Present by Kenny
• Moral Relativism in American Society
• Subjectivism and Cultural Relativism: Objections and Differences
• James Rachels’ The Challenge of Cultural Relativism Essay
• The Mysteries of Samothrace and Its Cultic Practices
• Cultural Understanding: Ethnocentrism
• Comparison Between the Body Rituals in Nacirema and American Society
• Northwest Coast Indigenous Culture and the Salvage Work of Emily Carr
• African Folktales as a Reflection of Culture
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 23). Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cultural-relativism-impact-on-individuals/

"Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals." IvyPanda , 23 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/cultural-relativism-impact-on-individuals/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals'. 23 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals." December 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cultural-relativism-impact-on-individuals/.

1. IvyPanda . "Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals." December 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cultural-relativism-impact-on-individuals/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Cultural Relativism: Impact on Individuals." December 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cultural-relativism-impact-on-individuals/.

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Cultural Relativism — Cultural Relativism In American Culture

Cultural Relativism in American Culture

• Categories: American Culture Cultural Diversity Cultural Relativism

About this sample

Words: 1010 |

Published: Mar 5, 2024

Words: 1010 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Arts & Culture Social Issues Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1835 words

1 pages / 405 words

3 pages / 1557 words

1 pages / 1612 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Cultural Relativism

The concept of cultural relativism serves as a profound framework that aids in comprehending the intricate tapestry of cultural diversity that characterizes our global society. It is through cultural relativism that we can [...]

The essay "Of Cannibals" by Michel de Montaigne is a classic piece of literature that explores the nature of humanity and civilization. Montaigne, a French philosopher and essayist of the 16th century, is known for his [...]

Cultural relativism is the idea that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This concept has been a topic [...]

At some point in our lives, every one of us will have to respond to some kind of cultural differences. Obviously, some professions and lifestyles will expose you to more contrasting societies than others. However, in a world [...]

Cultural relativism is a concept that invites us to explore the intricate tapestry of human beliefs, customs, and values from a perspective of understanding and respect. This essay on cultural relativism delves into the idea [...]

Cultural Relativism basically states that different cultures have different moral codes. The customs of different societies are all that exist and no independent standard of right and wrong can be imposed. Anthropologist, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free