Final answer:
The self-reference criterion is the tendency to view other cultures through the lens of one's own culture, an aspect of ethnocentrism. It can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of appreciation for cultural diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of self-reference criterion refers to C) the propensity to view other cultures through the lens of one's own culture. It's a form of ethnocentrism, where individuals evaluate and often judge other cultures based on the norms and standards of their own culture. This can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of appreciation for the diversity of global cultures. Recognizing and overcoming one's self-reference criterion is important for fostering cross-cultural understanding and engagement.
For example, one might consider the customs of another culture to be 'strange' or 'wrong' simply because they differ from what is customary in their own culture, such as the way Americans may view the British custom of driving on the left side of the road, not as different but as the 'wrong' side. This perspective can be limiting, and it's often rooted in the natural process of enculturation, where we learn the norms and values of our own culture. However, developing an awareness of self-reference criterion can help in appreciating the unique qualities and contributions of other cultures without bias.