Ethnocentrism Essay - 1816 Words

Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism is the name given to a tendency to interpret or evaluate other cultures in terms of ones own. This tendency has been, perhaps, more prevalent in modern nations than among preliterate tribes. The citizens of a large nation, especially in the past, have been less likely to observe people in another nation or culture than have been members of small tribes who are well acquainted with the ways of their culturally diverse neighbours. Thus, the American tourist could report that Londoners drive on the wrong side of the street or an Englishman might find some customs on the Continent queer or boorish, merely because they are different. Members of a Pueblo tribe in the American Southwest, on the other hand,†¦show more content†¦What is moral in one culture might be immoral or ethically neutral in another. For example, it was not immoral to kill a baby girl at birth or an aged grandparent who was nonproductive when it was impossible to obtain enough food for all; or wi fe lending among the Eskimo might be practiced as a gesture of hospitality, a way of cementing a friendship and promoting mutual aid in a harsh and dangerous environment, and thus may acquire the status of a high moral value. The view that elements of a culture are to be understood and judged in terms of their relationship to the culture as a whole--a doctrine known as cultural relativism--led to the conclusion that the cultures themselves could not be evaluated or graded as higher and lower, superior or inferior. If it was unwarranted to say that patriliny (descent through the male line) was superior or inferior to matriliny (descent through the female line), if it was unjustified or meaningless to say that monogamy was better or worse than polygamy, then it was equally unsound or meaningless to say that one culture was higher or superior to another. A large number of anthropologists subscribed to this view; they argued that such judgments were subjective and therefore unscientific . It is, of course, true that some values are imponderable and some criteria areShow MoreRelatedEthnocentrism And Cultural Relativism : Ethnocentrism950 Words   |  4 PagesEthnocentrism and Cultural relativism are two concepts similar, but different. Ethnocentrism and Cultural relativism both share a similar practice of trying to understand other beliefs and cultures, but they are both hugely different. See Ethnocentrism is having the belief that one’s country and culture is the best and is the right way to go and that you are right and everyone else is wrong. While Cultural relativism is understanding other cultures, countries, and their beliefs. I believe I am aRead MoreEssay on Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism667 Words   |  3 PagesPlease define and compare and contrast ETHNOCENTRISM and CULTURAL RELATIVISM. Discuss how you have experienced OR witnessed both concepts in our American Society. Ethnocentrism is viewing your own culture as more superior than any other culture, that all other groups are measured in relation to one’s own. Ethnocentrism can lead to cultural misinterpretation and it often distorts communication between human beings. + while cultural relativism is the concept that the importance of a particularRead MoreEthnocentrism : The World s Leading Super Power1067 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is ethnocentrism, the definition is evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one s own culture. Which is broken down to mean the higher valuing of one’s self culture nature and origin compared to others. This can be expressed in action and words, as Americans we exude we are number one. As the world’s leading super power we have become full of our self and almost to the point of narcissism. All over the world people flock to our shoresRead MoreHuman Behavior, Ethnocentrism, And Cultural Relativism1466 Words   |  6 Pagesobjects, institutions and factors that contribute to social change and understanding of human behavior. 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The roots of the word are ethnic andRead MoreEthnocentrism Is A Basic Attitude Expressing The Belief That One? S Own Culture Essay1731 Words   |  7 PagesETHNOCENTRISM Ethnocentrism is a basic attitude expressing the belief that one?s own ethnic group or one?s own culture is superior to other ethnic groups or cultures, and that one?s cultural standards can be applied in a universal manner. The term was first used by the American sociologist William Graham Sumner (1840?1910) to describe the view that one?s own culture can be considered central, while other cultures or religious traditions are reduced to a less prominent role. Ethnocentrism is closelyRead MoreEssay about Napoleon in Egypt772 Words   |  4 Pagesnot a European provides an alternative viewpoint to the events that happened in Egypt as opposed to the accounts that have been read and taught by Europeans. Although the article is a different perspective it does show strong cultural bias and ethnocentrism towards the French people from the eyes of the Egyptians. The article shows bias in the tone it is written, the unkindness used to mock the French and the incomplete tales of the battles that took place. The writings of Al-Jabarti show significanceRead MoreThe Theory Of Management And Management1294 Words   |  6 Pagestheir purchases. Just as the Contingency Model of leadership depends on two factors (Mitchell et al., 1970; Greer Plunkett, 2003), using a contingency approach with brand purchasing depends on two factors as well. These factors are consumer ethnocentrism, a reflection values in support of local products, and global connectedness, which notes their views and understanding of the world (Strizhakova Coulter, 2015, p. 4). Both factors are similar to the two factors of character and situation whenRead MoreThe Failure of Disney Paris2387 Words   |  10 Pagesdistribution methods were still within Disney’s control. Accommodating these, with the uncontrollable elements after careful consideration could have given them a better start leaving them more prepared for any surprises. 3. What role does ethnocentrism play in the story of EuroDisney s launch? Whenever management relies too heavily on past experience in the home market for guidance abroad, errors proving fatal to the international venture often result. According to Ricks, Fu and Arpan (1974)Read MoreEthnocentrism1047 Words   |  5 Pages(Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism) As a Sociologist, should we practice Cultural Ethnocentrism or Cultural Relativism? We must first understand the two distinct theories regarding perception of outside cultures: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of ones own culture.[1] The ethnocentric individual will judge other groups relative to his or her own particular ethnic group or culture, especially with concern