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Cultural Relativism: Doesn't imply you must _________________

User Tomalak
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Final answer:

Cultural Relativism means understanding a culture on its own terms without the influence of one's own cultural biases, but it does not mean accepting all aspects of a culture, especially those that are harmful or ethically problematic.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cultural Relativism does not imply that you must indiscriminately accept all practices or norms of other cultures. Cultural Relativism is the practice of understanding and evaluating a culture by its own standards, and not through the bias of one's own culture. Although it emphasizes an open-minded approach and the suspension of personal judgment, it does not require a blanket acceptance of all cultural practices, such as those that may be harmful or violate human rights standards, like female genital mutilation. This concept is beneficial for building cross-cultural relationships and gaining a deeper understanding, but it also acknowledges the importance of recognizing practices that may be detrimental, harmful, or unethical.Sociologists and anthropologists may face challenges when they encounter practices that are in stark contrast to the values upheld in their own societies. However, cultural relativism encourages them to approach these challenges by first seeking to understand the cultural context and then, if necessary, work towards common interests while respecting human rights. The aim should be to avoid ethnocentrism, the practice of judging another culture based solely on the values and standards of one's own culture.

User Morozov
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