Final answer:
Ethnocentrism is the term used to describe the bias of judging other cultures by one's own cultural norms, leading to the belief that one's own culture is superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe beliefs and attitudes that separate groups within the same broad culture is ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is the evaluation and judgment of another culture based on the standards and norms of one's own culture. It reflects a belief that one's own culture is superior to others. This perspective can manifest in various ways, from viewing cultural differences as incorrect or inferior, to embracing political cultures that seem inseparable from a region's history and development.
Examples of ethnocentrism can be seen in everyday situations. For instance, referring to Asia as the "Far East" implies a perspective centered on Western geographical standards. The concept also extends to beliefs around food, where certain cultural groups may be associated with particular dietary habits or specific dishes. Furthermore, it plays a role in how individuals within a society perceive and interact with minority cultures and political cultures. The challenge for any multicultural society is to find ways to appreciate diversity while fostering constructive dialogue between groups.
It's also important to recognize that while ethnocentrism can lead to negative outcomes such as cultural imperialism or separatist movements, it also occurs in subtler forms. These may include the conscious and unconscious learning of attitudes and practices that are seen as valid within one's culture and are taught and expressed through traditions and behaviors.