Final answer:
Esteem is respect or approval gained for acts or qualities valued in a culture. Esteem is influenced by cultural norms and can be affected by ethnocentrism, where one's own culture is seen as superior. The specific actions that earn esteem vary widely between societies due to cultural diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Esteem is esteem, respect, or approval for culturally valued acts or qualities. Esteem is a concept that relates directly to the values and norms of a culture. Achieving esteem within a society typically requires abiding by its cultural standards and contributing positively to the community. Acts that gain esteem are those that are aligned with what is considered 'good', such as displaying traits like creativity, intelligence, and integrity. Conversely, actions that deviate significantly from cultural norms may be characterized as 'bad' and not worthy of respect or esteem.
While the pursuit of esteem is natural in humans, cultural diversity brings forward the understanding that different societies may have varying definitions of what actions or qualities are esteemed. This ties closely to the concept of ethnocentrism, where one's own culture is viewed as the superior model for evaluating others. This can lead to underappreciation of the differing values other cultures hold.
The process of acquiring esteem is linked to broader sociological themes of culturally informed behavior and the socialization process. Through enculturation, individuals learn the behaviors and values that their society holds in high regard, striving to achieve personal development that aligns with the cultural standards of 'good'. This is key in understanding the importance of cultural perspectives in shaping individual identities and conduct within a society. Anthropologists emphasize that while seeking esteem is a universal human endeavor, the standards by which it is measured can greatly vary from one cultural context to another.