Final answer:
Ruth Benedict would agree with ideas of cultural relativism, challenging ethnocentrism, and respecting human diversity. She would appreciate the efforts of feminists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and social activists like Eugene Debs in promoting equality and solidarity with marginalized groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ruth Benedict, an American cultural anthropologist, would agree with the ideas that culture shapes personality and that moral relativism (the idea that moral or ethical propositions are not universal truths but stem from cultural context) is important in understanding different societies. Benedict is best known for her work in developing the concept of 'culture and personality' and the notion that there is no single standard for what is morally right or wrong, only culturally specific standards. For example, in her 1934 book 'Patterns of Culture', she emphasized the diversity of cultures and argued against the notion of a unified, superior Western culture, suggesting that each culture has its own merits and complexities. Benedict's works contributed significantly to the recognition of human cultural diversity and were pivotal in changing the way Western cultures viewed and interacted with other societies.
Additionally, Benedict would likely align with contemporary feminist perspectives similar to those of Agnes Macphail, who critiqued how the advancement of women could be perceived as a threat to men's comfort. She would respect the intellect and initiative of activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth in challenging the societal norms of their time, as these women fought for gender equality and women's suffrage, embodying Benedict's understanding of the transformative potential within cultures.
Furthermore, Benedict would empathize with the ethos expressed by Eugene Debs, recognizing common humanity and solidarity with all beings, including the marginalized. Her anthropological work often challenged ethnocentric prejudices and celebrated cultural diversity and the intrinsic value of every human society.