Do you judge other cultures?

1. Do you judge other cultures? Ethnocentric vs. Cultural Relativism

2. Ethnocentrism The belief that one’s culture and way of life are superior to those of other groups

3. This attitude causes people to think that other cultures are • Inferior • Backwards • Immoral • Barbaric

4. Because people internalize their culture and take it for granted, they may be hostile toward other cultures

5. Each group has their culture internalized and this makes each culture feel that they are superior and ‘correct’

6. Any group can and often is ethnocentric.

7. Functions of Ethnocentrism • Pride • Loyalty • Cultural Unity • Sense of belonging • Reinforces conformity • Maintains stability

12. St. Patrick's Day • Pride • Loyalty • Cultural Unity • Sense of belonging • Reinforces conformity • Maintains stability

13. because of ethnocentrism life is generally orderly and predictable

14. ethnocentrism is generally dysfunctional

15. Cultural Relativism The belief that no culture is better than another and that a culture should be judged by its own standards

16. Cultural relativism is the opposite of ethnocentrism

17. An appreciation of cultural relativism is practical and productive.

18. post-partum sex taboo: the prohibition of a woman from having sexual intercourse for a specified period of time following the birth of a child.

19. People can overcome cultural barriers and improve communication if they understand and respect other cultures.

20. Greetings

21. Respecting other cultures does not require that we remain mute when countries go against basic human rights.