Ethnocentrism VS ethnorelativism

Ethnocentrism VS Ethnorelativism

Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture. Ethnocentric individuals judge other groups relative to their own ethnic group or culture, especially with concern for language, behavior, customs, and religion.

Origins of the concept

The term "ethnocentrism" was coined by William G. Sumner in 1906. He characterized it as often leading to pride, vanity, beliefs of one's own group's superiority, and contempt of outsiders. But his characterization was criticized by аnthropologists such as Robert K. Merton, Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski.

William G. Sumner

1840 – 1910

Types of ethnocentrism

• American Exceptionalism: perception that US differs from other developed nations because of its unique origins, national credo, historical evolution, & distinctive political & religious institutions; belief that US is hope for humanity; moral superiority
• Eurocentrism: emphasis on European culture & western world at the expense of other cultures; other cultures are inferior or even denied their existence as truly human
• Indian Nationalism: political & cultural expression of patriotism by citizens of India; pride in the history/ heritage of India & visions for its future
• Japanocentrism: belief that Japan is, or should be, at the center of the world culturally, economically, & politically
• Sinocentrism: any ethnocentric perspective that regards China to be central or unique relative to other countries

There are 6 stages of ethnocentrism

1.Denial of Difference

Individuals experience their own culture as the only “real” one. Other cultures are either not noticed at all or are understood in an undifferentiated, simplistic manner. Most of the time, this is a result of physical or social isolation

2.Defense against Difference

One’s own culture is experienced as the most “evolved” or best way to live. They will openly belittle the differences among their culture and another

3.Minimization of Difference

The experience of similarity outweighs the experience of difference. People recognize superficial cultural differences in food, customs, etc.,. but they emphasize human similarity in physical structure, psychological needs, and/or assumed adherence to universal values. People at this position are not ethnosentric

4.Acceptance of Difference

One’s own culture is experienced as one of a number of equally complex worldviews. People at this position accept the existence of culturally different ways of organizing human existence, although they do not necessarily like or agree with every way

5.Adaptation to Difference

Individuals are able to expand their own worldviews to accurately understand other cultures .It is the ability to act properly outside of one’s own culture.

if you are ethnorelativistic person

Once you have progressed to an ethnorelativistic view of cultural differences, you will in essence be bicultural. You will revel in cultural differences, and be able to effortlessly take on subtle characteristics of the local culture. Your intercultural sensitivity will also affect how others view and treat you. Being trusted and accepted by local people into a culture you have recently come to know and accept will be thrilling and fulfilling, and will allow you to be a more effective volunteer.

Ethnorelativism

Ethnorelativism is a belief based on deep and heart-felt respect for other cultures that all groups, cultures, or subcultures are inherently equal. Other cultures are seen neither as better or worse, but as equally valid but different and complex worldviews. No one's culture is superior to the others

There are 3 Stages of ethnorelativism

1. Acceptance - grasping the importance of cultural difference, a new way of seeing the world. People accept the existence of other cultural contexts and think this way because they have a more tolerant and sympathetic attitude towards differences.

2. Adaptation - a new way of acting

encouraging intensive exploration and research. one expands own worldview to accurately understand other cultures and behave in a variety of culturally appropriate ways

3. Integration - a new way of being. The development of empathy with the other culture as well as the ability to communicate interculturally

Ethnorelativism

Badanova ZHanyerke

KET-21