cultural relativism
Judgment requires context
Cultural relativism is the principle that beliefs and practices should be understood within their own cultural context rather than judged by the standards of another culture.
The term is most common in anthropology, where it emerged as a methodological stance: to understand why a society does something, you must suspend your own cultural assumptions.
Critics argue it can excuse harmful practices; defenders say understanding isn't the same as approval.
Cultural relativism doesn't mean anything goes—it means you have to understand before you judge.
Systematic study of peoples
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- socioculturalOf society and customs
- thick descriptionContextually rich ethnographic analysis
Margaret Mead · holism · ethnology · indigenous practices · lifeways
Traditional practices or import taxes
- taboosSocially proscribed practices
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- moresBinding social standards
folkways · practices · social norms · ceremonies · etiquette · conventions · moral codes · propriety
Coexistence of differing views
- coexistenceSimultaneous presence together
- cosmopolitanismBelief in shared humanity
- globalizationWorldwide economic and cultural integration
- diasporaScattered population sharing origins
heritage · melting pot · integration · assimilation · worldviews · traditions
Active knowledge-building theory
- contextualismBelief justification varies situationally
- worldviewComprehensive belief framework
- standpoint theoryKnowledge rooted in social location
- hermeneuticsStudy of interpretation methods
subjectivism · paradigm · epistemic humility · meaning-making · frame of reference · indigenous knowledge
Acceptance of differing viewpoints
- nonjudgmentalNot forming harsh opinions
- respectRegard with honor
- empathySharing another's emotions
- acceptanceConsent to receive
understanding · impartiality · neutrality · dialogue · appreciation · listening · mutual respect
Morality contingent on context
- meta-ethicsPhilosophy of moral foundations
- value systemsBeliefs guiding choices
- moral judgmentAssessment of right/wrong
- right and wrongEthical distinction
ethnography
Systematic study of peoples
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- socioculturalOf society and customs
Margaret Mead · thick description · holism · ethnology · indigenous practices · lifeways
customs
Traditional practices or import taxes
- taboosSocially proscribed practices
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
mores · folkways · practices · social norms · ceremonies · etiquette · conventions · moral codes · propriety · sanctions
pluralism
Coexistence of differing views
- coexistenceSimultaneous presence together
- cosmopolitanismBelief in shared humanity
- globalizationWorldwide economic and cultural integration
diaspora · heritage · melting pot · integration · assimilation · worldviews · traditions
constructivism
Active knowledge-building theory
- contextualismBelief justification varies situationally
- worldviewComprehensive belief framework
- standpoint theoryKnowledge rooted in social location
hermeneutics · subjectivism · paradigm · epistemic humility · meaning-making · frame of reference · indigenous knowledge
open-mindedness
Acceptance of differing viewpoints
- nonjudgmentalNot forming harsh opinions
- respectRegard with honor
- empathySharing another's emotions
acceptance · understanding · impartiality · neutrality · dialogue · appreciation · listening · mutual respect
situational ethics
Morality contingent on context
- meta-ethicsPhilosophy of moral foundations
- value systemsBeliefs guiding choices
- moral judgmentAssessment of right/wrong
cultural relativismobjectivism
Belief in external truths
universalism · absolutism · foundationalism · essentialism · positivism
culture, relative, relatives, cultural, cultures, relatively, multicultural, culturally, relativity