Final answer:
Cultural relativism is the understanding that each culture has its own unique values and practices that should be understood in context, while ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one's own culture. Xenocentrism is the belief that another culture is superior, and Normative Ethical Relativism suggests that a society's moral views are correct because they are predominant within that society. Both concepts are critical to anthropology and cross-cultural understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Cultural Relativism and Ethnocentrism
The terms cultural relativism and ethnocentrism represent two contrasting approaches to understanding cultures. Cultural relativism is the concept that acknowledges the existence of different cultures and recognizes that each culture has its own set of values, beliefs, and practices that are learned from prior generations. It is an anthropological approach that encourages understanding and evaluating a culture from within its own context without applying the standards of another culture.
On the other hand, ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to that of others. It involves judging other cultures based on the standards and norms of one's own culture, often leading to a biased view. Ethnocentrism can hinder cross-cultural understanding and can create barriers between people of different cultures. Examples of ethnocentric attitudes could include viewing one's national cuisine as more 'refined' than that of another country or believing one's language to be more 'logical' or 'expressive' than others.
Cultural relativism, when taken to its extreme, however, can lead to xenocentrism, the belief that another culture is superior to one's own. This might happen after an immersive experience in another culture, such as an exchange program. Conversely, strongly ethnocentric individuals could develop xenophobia, an irrational fear or dislike of other cultures. The goal is to achieve a balance in understanding and respecting cultural differences while recognizing our shared humanity.
Normative Ethical Relativism, another concept in this context, suggests that each culture's ethical standards are inherently valid within that cultural context and that there can be no objective grounds for preferring one set of moral principles over another. However, this view struggles to explain how moral progress or reform happens within societies, particularly when it challenges the majority view.
Ultimately, cultural relativism aims to provide a foundation for respectful cross-cultural relationships by striving for an insider's perspective. This is essential in anthropology and many other fields that require understanding the significance and rationale behind cultural traditions and practices.