Final answer:
Franz Boas developed the concept of cultural relativism, which sought to understand each culture on its own unique merits, challenging the prevailing ethnocentric perspective of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Franz Boas developed the concept of cultural relativism, which sought to understand each culture on its own unique merits. Unlike the prevailing ethnocentric perspective at the time, cultural relativism recognized that each culture has its own historical trajectory and is constantly changing by interactions with other cultures. By suspending judgment and seeking to understand the meaning and significance of cultural traditions, cultural relativism allows for a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.