What is Cultural Relativism? Definition, Strengths, and Criticisms | Theory to Go 3

Summary

This video explores the concept of cultural relativism, which posits that cultural beliefs and values are historically specific and should be understood within their context. Originating from anthropologist Franz Boas, this perspective encourages social scientists to study cultures without imposing their own moral judgments. Despite facing criticisms for potentially leading to moral relativism, anthropologists like Clifford Geertz argue that cultural relativism allows for a deeper understanding of diverse societies while still maintaining ethical accountability. The video highlights the ongoing relevance of cultural relativism in contemporary anthropology and encourages further exploration of the topic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cultural relativism emphasizes understanding beliefs and actions within their cultural context rather than through outsider norms.
• 📚 Franz Boaz, a key figure in cultural relativism, highlighted the ethnocentrism in Western social science and advocated for a relativist approach.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Cultural relativism allows social scientists to research without attempting to change the beliefs and behaviors of the cultures they study.
• 🧐 Critics argue that cultural relativism may lead to ethical or moral relativism, hindering the ability to condemn harmful practices.
• 🔍 Clifford Geertz's lecture 'Anti-Anti-Relativism' counters criticisms by asserting that these concerns often misrepresent anthropological literature.
• 🎓 Geertz suggests that anthropologists can maintain an outsider's perspective while developing an insider's cultural understanding.
• 🌍 Cultural relativism has become a fundamental approach in anthropology, influencing the work of many researchers in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• 📝 Some students and theorists may advocate for absolute relativism, but these positions are not central to the discipline.
• 💡 Understanding diverse cultures does not prevent anthropologists from making ethical judgments based on their own cultural contexts.
• 📖 Further resources and readings on cultural relativism are available for those interested in deepening their understanding of the topic.

Q & A

What is cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is the idea that cultural values and beliefs are historical products that should be understood within their own cultural context, rather than judged by external norms.

Who is credited with the origins of cultural relativism?

Franz Boas, a German-American anthropologist, is often credited with articulating the concept of cultural relativism, emphasizing the ethnocentrism present in contemporary Western social science.

What was Boas's main argument regarding cultural context?

Boas argued that social scientists should judge and understand the beliefs of different cultures using the relative language and perspective of those cultures to avoid bias.

How did Boas's ideas influence his students?

Boas's sentiments resonated with his North American students, including Ruth Benedict and Alfred Kroeber, who expanded upon his research and established cultural relativism as a fundamental approach in anthropology.

What is one major criticism of cultural relativism?

One major criticism is that cultural relativism can lead to moral relativism, where researchers may find it difficult to condemn harmful practices, such as genocide or sexual violence, due to an overly contextual focus.

What publication exemplifies criticism of cultural relativism?

Elven Hatch's publication, *Culture and Morality*, embodies this criticism by arguing that cultural relativism may result in a lack of ethical standards in social science.

How do anthropologists typically respond to criticisms of cultural relativism?

Anthropologists respond by clarifying that understanding a culture does not prevent them from making ethical judgments; they aim to maintain a balance between insider (emic) and outsider (etic) perspectives.

What is Clifford Geertz's contribution to the discussion of cultural relativism?

Clifford Geertz, in his lecture *Anti-Anti-Relativism*, argued that fears about cultural relativism stem from conservative reactions and that critics often misunderstand anthropological practices.

What is the goal of ethnography in relation to cultural relativism?

The goal of ethnography is to develop an insider’s cultural sensibility while maintaining a scientific perspective, allowing anthropologists to understand diverse cultures without imposing their own values.

Where can individuals find further readings on cultural relativism?

Further readings on cultural relativism can be found in the video description and on the Patreon page of the source, which offers comprehensive reading lists and additional educational content.