Final answer:
Cultural relativism is the practice of assessing a culture based on its own standards, whereas ethnocentrism involves judging another culture against one's own cultural norms. Cultural relativism encourages understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, while ethnocentrism can lead to a biased view that one's culture is superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept being described in the question is cultural relativism, which is the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than through the lens of another culture. This approach helps to suspend judgment and understand a culture's unique beliefs, values, and practices within its own context. In contrast, ethnocentrism is the practice of evaluating and judging another culture based on the standards of one's own culture, often with the belief that one's own culture is superior.
Understanding and applying cultural relativism is crucial in appreciating cultural diversity. It requires gaining a clear understanding of the rationale, purpose, and significance of what different cultures do and believe. As we learn more about other cultures, we also enhance our understanding of our own.
Enculturation shapes our perception of cultural norms and values. However, when people believe that their way of life is inherently better and that other cultures should adhere to their norms, this is an example of ethnocentrism. Recognizing cultural relativism allows us to appreciate the myriad of ways humans express themselves culturally around the world.