The Pros and Cons of Cultural Relativism in Modern Society
Culture can be defined as the shared attitudes, beliefs, values, and customs that characterize a social group. Cultural relativism is a philosophical stance that suggests that cultural norms and values derive their meaning within a particular society or culture. It means that every culture is unique and should be evaluated based on its own set of standards rather than imposing the standards of one culture on another. This idea has both advantages and disadvantages in modern society.
Pros of Cultural Relativism
1. Encourages Diversity and Tolerance: Cultural relativism promotes the acceptance of cultural differences and encourages people to be more tolerant of others. It helps to reduce prejudice and discrimination by promoting cultural diversity.
2. Respect for Indigenous People: Cultural relativism encourages respect for Indigenous Peoples by acknowledging their cultural distinctiveness and resisting the assimilationist policies of colonialism.
3. Fosters Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Cultural relativism can help preserve ancient cultures that may otherwise be lost through modernization and globalization.
4. Recognizes that Cultural Values are not Necessarily Universal: Cultural relativism reminds us that what is considered normal and acceptable in one culture may not be so in another culture. This helps to prevent ethnocentrism and encourages understanding and respect for different ways of life.
Cons of Cultural Relativism
1. Dilemma of Universal Human Rights: Cultural relativism poses a challenge to the concept of universal human rights. It suggests that cultural norms and practices should not be judged by an external standard, which can lead to the question of whether human rights are truly universal or whether the notion of human rights is purely a Western construct.
2. Limits Progress and Development: Cultural relativism can be harmful in cases where cultural practices are oppressive or harmful to individuals. Under cultural relativism, any attempt to change or challenge such practices would be seen as a violation of cultural norms and values.
3. Legitimizes Oppressive Practices of Some Cultures: Cultural relativism can be used to legitimize oppressive practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage or other harmful cultural practices, and treating them as “cultural rights.”
4. Incompatible with Modern Globalization: Cultural relativism is incompatible with modern globalization, which involves the spread of new ideas, practices, and values across cultures. Cultural relativism may resist the change that globalization can bring by protecting the unique practices of each culture.
Conclusion
Cultural relativism has its advantages and disadvantages in modern society. While it promotes diversity, tolerance, and respect for different cultures, it also poses a dilemma for universal human rights and can legitimize oppressive cultural practices. The key is to strike a balance between cultural relativism and the need for progress and development, as well as maintaining a universal standard for human rights. It is only by understanding and respecting each other’s cultural values and practices that we can move forward together as a global community.
