Exploring the Concept of Cultural Relativism: An Anthropological Perspective
Cultural relativism is a concept that has attracted a lot of attention in the anthropological circles. It is a doctrine that states that the beliefs, values, and practices of a culture should be understood and evaluated in the context of that culture, rather than a standard external to it.
In other words, cultural relativism argues that all cultures are different, and none is inherently superior or inferior to another. And, it is through an understanding of a culture’s values and social norms that we can gain insights into their behavior and decision making.
Key Insights on Cultural Relativism
To fully understand the concept of cultural relativism, one has to appreciate the following insights:
Culture is Dynamic
Cultural relativism believes that culture is not static but evolves over time. This means that cultural practices and beliefs that were acceptable in previous years may be seen as outdated or inappropriate today. As a result, a cultural lens is required to view a practice or belief system within its specific cultural context.
Human Rights Should Be Respected
The concept of cultural relativism is often met with criticism. Some argue that respecting cultural norms may lead to gross violations of human rights, particularly in cases where cultural practices harm vulnerable groups such as women or children. As such, it is necessary to have a balance between respecting cultural values and protecting human rights.
Cultural Differences Are Not Universally Bad
Cultural relativism seeks to recognize that cultural differences are not universally negative. Instead, the practice encourages us to view cultural differences through a lens of understanding, where we can appreciate and learn from different ways of life.
Case Study: Female Genital Mutilation(FGM)
One of the most debated cultural practices is Female Genital Mutilation(FGM). A cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia. Cultural relativism proposes that, we should not view FGM as a barbaric practice because societies that practice FGM have their specific reasons.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes FGM as an international human rights violation and has made efforts to eliminate the practice. This case shows that there is a line where cultural relativism and human rights intersect, and both must be respected.
Conclusion
Cultural relativism is an important lens for understanding different cultures and their practices, beliefs, and values. However, it is crucial to balance the concept with the respect for human rights and the recognition of cultural evolution. By doing so, we can appreciate different cultural norms while promoting global human rights.
