Cultural Dynamics: Ethnocentrism, Relativism, and Identity

Ethnocentrism and Its Social Consequences

Ethnocentrism is the attitude toward cultural difference based on the belief that one's own culture is the only suitable or even superior one, assuming other cultures are inferior. This posture often leads to imperialist tendencies to invade other peoples. Another problem is that it is normally linked to violent attitudes such as racism, xenophobia, and aporophobia. These promote not only the exclusion of those who are outside the dominant culture but may lead to veritable genocide.

Cultural Relativism and Pluralism

Relativism arises in order to overcome these ethnocentric prejudices. It argues that any cultural manifestation is a source of ideas and values that are the result of its particular history. It advocates for cultural pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and an attitude of respect for various cultures as they coexist in the same geographical area within the framework of human rights. It proposes a different model where all cultures are treated with equality. This is the most suitable model to follow today. If we do not condemn these views, we inherit ethnocentric prejudice for a future filled with social problems.

The Dual Nature of Culture and Personality

During the socialization process, culture develops in two opposite directions:

• The culture makes us the same: By imposing one culture on every social group, all members are equated. Thus, the individual does not choose a specific form of being human among all existing cultures; rather, it is the culture that obliges them to be part of it.
• The culture allows us to be different: The roles marked by the social group are never fulfilled to the letter, as each individual interprets them according to their own personal terms.

The Individual and Society

In conclusion, culture makes us look both alike and different. Each person has some basic features common to all individuals within their own group, alongside private differences which depend on their personality. Individual and Society: Culture shapes individuals by binding guidelines to follow.

Sigmund Freud: Repression and Civilization

According to the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, we all want to be free and do what we desire. However, it would be impossible to be absolutely free and simultaneously live in society if there were no cultural impositions to curb our impulses. Between our desires (Eros) and the establishment of a society, an antagonistic relationship exists; society can progress only through the repression of Eros. Consequently, desires are diverted to other activities that do not threaten coexistence, and thus, we created culture. Civilization requires giving up all our instinctive needs. Despite the individual seeking to satisfy their drives, society prevents this through repressive mechanisms.

Herbert Marcuse: The Repressive Civilization

Herbert Marcuse presents a different vision than Freud regarding the specific civilization which is repressive. He argues that happiness is dependent upon social practices, such as having a job, a monogamous sexual life, laws, and order. Individuals feel they cannot influence the course of events because they are subject to these social mores.