Final answer:
The practice of cultural relativism can result in increased tolerance and understanding across different cultures but might lead to the erosion of shared ethical standards. It promotes cultural diversity and tradition preservation while necessitating a balance to avoid legitimizing harmful cultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
When cultural relativism is widely practiced in society, it can lead to multiple potential impacts. Firstly, it increases tolerance and understanding among diverse cultures, which can improve cross-cultural relationships and aid in global cooperation. This broad mindset may help in avoiding the pitfalls of ethnocentrism and fostering increased sensitivity and appreciation for multiculturalism. However, there is a potential downside to unrestrained cultural relativism, such as the possible erosion of shared ethical standards and values. This could occur if certain cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation, which are harmful or considered unethical in some societies, are not questioned. Lastly, cultural relativism encourages the preservation of traditions and cultural diversity, which can be essential for cultural identity, but it requires a careful balance to prevent legitimizing harmful practices under the guise of cultural norms. Therefore, sociological analysis often involves a nuanced approach that respects cultural diversity without abandoning critical engagement on moral grounds.