Ethnocentrism can be so strong that when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience disorientation and frustration. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Culture and Psychology - Maricopa Her imposing father kept his distance. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines, 5. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. Ethnocentrism vs Xenocentrism - What's the difference? People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. primarily from the perspective of one's own as being superior. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. 3.1E: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Social Sci LibreTexts . Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Reading: Roles and the Presentation of Self, 52. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.org. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. It creates an attitude of independence. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. While extreme ethnocentrism may take the same offensive form and may have the same dire consequences as extreme racism, there are significant differences between the two concepts. The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. Read the full article Oxytocin promotes human ethnocentrismhere, https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-3e/pages/3-1-what-is-culture, Describe and give examples of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. Why It Matters: Religion and Education, 147. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. On the one hand, ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgments of the behaviors of groups or societies. The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. It may also possess subcultures within it, with their own unique and distinct characteristics. Putting It Together: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 190. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Outcome: Sociological Views on Religion, 149. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism | Introduction to Sociology To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture they are studying. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. Ethnocentrism in its extreme form gives rise to racism and supremacist (e.g., the holocaust), while cultural relativism allows the propagation of certain practices that violate basic human rights (e.g., the practice of female genital mutilation). What issues or events might inform this? Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Marriage and Family, 145. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification, 103. Ethnocentrism is a global phenomenon and influences social interaction 1,2.It has been the source of ethnic strains in different regions, such as South Africa and Lebanon 3.It is assumed to be a . Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr). Reading: The Graying of the United States, 181. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA), 4. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. As nouns the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism is that ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture while xenocentrism is a preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture material culture: the objects or belongings of a group of people nonmaterial culture: the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society xenocentrism: a belief that another culture is superior to one's own [/hidden-answer] For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr), [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. In the United States, for instance, it is often assumed that European products such as wine and cheese are superior to those produced locally. (The Greek root word xeno, pronounced ZEE-no, means stranger or foreign guest.) An exchange student who goes home after a semester abroad or a sociologist who returns from the field may find it difficult to associate with the values of their own culture after having experienced what they deem a more upright or nobler way of living. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. For instance, a particular practice may seem immoral or unethical according to the beliefs of a different culture, but those same practices may be perfectly acceptable and normal with respect to its own culture. Outcome: Globalization and the Economy, 209. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging other cultures based. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Culture and Society, 45. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Introductory Sociology by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. A culture consists of a group of people that possess specific traditions, language, belief system, customs, hierarchy, food, music, and literature. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Aging, 184. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. RT @VirgilWalkerOMA: "Many would contend that the struggle for social justice and the propagation of Christian nationalism share no similarities. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. The bias may be due to ones own cultural beliefs or due to the individuals understanding and perception of human rights and ethics. Reading: Contemporary Issues in Education, 166. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and to practice cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Reading: Theories of Self-Development, 61. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies, such as how they live and what they eat, rather than of one's own social way of life. 14 Best Examples of Ethnocentrism (For Students) Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Perhaps the Chicago traveler was initially captivated with Montanas quiet beauty and the Chinese student was originally excited to see a U.S.-style classroom firsthand. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Reading: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, 109. An American visiting Italy might long for a real pizza or complain about the unsafe driving habits of Italians compared to people in the United States. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Ethnocentrism is usually defined as a kind of ethnic or cultural group egocentrism, which involves a belief in the superiority of one's own group, including its values and practices, and often. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world Her imposing father kept his distance. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a larger personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. What issues or events might inform this? 6.8: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Social Sci LibreTexts And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. These two viewpoints are essentially distinct but do share a few similarities between them. This comparison of one's culture to others has a significant impact on how we perceive the people around us and the organizations to which we belong. Experiencing an entirely new practice may lead to a high degree of interest or a level of criticism. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. 1. (The Greek root word xeno, pronounced ZEE-no, means stranger or foreign guest.) An exchange student who goes home after a semester abroad or a sociologist who returns from the field may find it difficult to associate with the values of their own culture after having experienced what they deem a more upright or nobler way of living. Reading: Demography and Population Growth, 219. It is impossible for anyone to keep all cultural biases at bay; the best we can do is strive to be aware of them. Some people will simply call it cultural ignorance. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. Even the most culturally relativist people from egalitarian societiesones in which women have political rights and control over their own bodieswould question whether the widespread practice of female genital mutilation in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan should be accepted as a part of cultural tradition. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. Even the most culturally relativist people from egalitarian societiesones in which women have political rights and control over their own bodieswould question whether the widespread practice of female genital mutilation in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan should be accepted as a part of cultural tradition. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. The way individuals perceive other cultural practices can be broadly segregated into two types cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. What are synonyms for ethnocentricity? Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. One example is the romanticization of the noble savage in the 18th-century primitivism movement in European art, philosophy and ethnography. Legal. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. a tendency to evaluate other people, activities, cultures, etc. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies which can entail how they live, what they eat, rather than of one's own way of life. Xenocentrism: Concept in Sociology and Examples Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. Reading: Lines of Descent and Family Stages, 141. Why do you believe this? Putting It Together: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 224. Reading: Social Change and Modernization, 233. Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Putting It Together: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 83. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. What are the similarities and differences between cultural - eNotes Why It Matters: Social Movements, Media, and Technology, 225. William G. Summer, an American academic, introduced this term and defined it as the technical name for the view of things in which ones own group is the center of everything, and all others are scaled and rated with reference to it. 3 Reasons Doing Nothing Can Actually be Productive, 3 Myths Far Too Many People Believe About the Past. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Government, 199. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. What issues or events might inform this? Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. Reading: Mental Health and Disabilities, 175. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. These views involve examining a culture and all its aspects and evaluating them. Outcome: Health in the United States and Abroad, 173. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism | Introduction to Sociology Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that one's own culture is better than all others, and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. Reading: Social and Psychological Changes of Aging, 186. Outcome: Types of Formal Organizations, 69. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term culture shock. In his studies, Oberg found that most people found encountering a new culture to be exciting at first. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. 26 Ethnocentrism synonyms. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism, 39. Reading: Social Constructions of Reality, 51. Reading: Conflict Perspective on Media and Technology, 242. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences.