Why Cultural Relativism Challenges Our Conventional Ideas of Morality
Cultural relativism suggests that morality is relative to cultural norms and values, which means it varies from one society to another. This concept proposes that what is considered ethically correct in one society may not be appropriate or even acceptable in another. It challenges the idea that there is a universal concept of morality that applies to all societies and cultures.
The notion of cultural relativism is not a new concept, as anthropologists and sociologists have been studying it for years. However, it continues to be a controversial idea, primarily because it destabilizes the traditional view of morality. This article examines how cultural relativism challenges our conventional ideas of morality and creates a more complex paradigm for discussing ethical issues.
Cultural Relativism and Ethics
Morality defines the rules and standards of conduct that individuals and societies use to distinguish between right and wrong. However, what is perceived as right or wrong can depend on cultural context, which implies that morality is influenced by cultural norms. Cultural relativism maintains that what is considered ethical in one society may not be applicable to another and that it would be inappropriate to judge or evaluate another culture based on our own cultural standards.
An example of this is female genital mutilation, a practice that is common in some African societies. In these cultures, the practice is seen as a traditional rite of passage, whereas it is viewed as a violation of human rights in the Western world. Supporters of cultural relativism argue that instead of condemning it, we should try to understand the significance of this practice in the context of the culture that practices it.
The Challenges of Cultural Relativism
One major challenge of cultural relativism is that it can be used to justify acts that are morally reprehensible. For example, if cultural relativism is applied to the Nazi regime, it would suggest that the Holocaust was justified, as it was considered reasonable and right in the Nazi culture. As such, moral universalism is necessary to condemn immoral acts that challenge human values and ethical principles.
Another challenge of cultural relativism is the difficulty in attaining a consensus on what is considered valid for moral decisions. It leaves moral decisions at the mercy of cultural mores, which can lead to situations where social norms are imposed on weaker cultures. Additionally, cultural relativism makes it challenging to determine human rights laws, which have to be universalized in order to protect people from culture-specific practices that are considered immoral.
The Benefits of Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism also has its benefits. For starters, it promotes understanding and tolerance of different cultures and societies. By recognizing the uniqueness of other cultures, we are better equipped to understand their beliefs and behaviors, and with that, we can build harmonious interpersonal and intercultural relations.
Furthermore, cultural relativism helps to challenge ethnocentrism, which is the belief that one’s culture is superior to others. Ethnocentrism leads to imperialism and colonialism, which can lead to cultural and physical genocide, as is evident in history. By embracing cultural relativism, we can adopt an attitude of respect for the many diverse cultures that exist around the world.
Conclusion
Cultural relativism presents a complex challenge to our conventional ideas of morality. While it has its benefits, it is not without challenges, which makes it necessary to strike a balance between upholding universal human rights, without imposing one’s cultural views on others. By recognizing and respecting cultural diversity, we can learn to live harmoniously and create a better world for everyone.
