Ethnocentrism vs Cultural Relativism: A Philosophical Analysis

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is an attitude that considers one's own culture to be correct, rational, and useful, while viewing others as invalid or inferior. It elevates the self and rejects the alien. This perspective is often accidental rather than essential, manifesting in forms such as ethnocentric nationalism, racism, and xenophobia.

Cultural Relativism

Rooted in the philosophy of Protagoras of Abdera (5th century BC), cultural relativism posits that all cultures are valid. It is the extreme opposite orientation to ethnocentrism. A significant drawback is the difficulty in choosing practices from one culture over another when they hold opposing values.

As Jesus Mosterin notes, both ethnocentrism and relativism are incoherent positions. The arguments used to refute dogmatism and relativism in epistemology are largely applicable to ethnocentrism and relativism in culture. While pluralism admits that various cultures are valid, it often rejects the idea that holistic cross-cultural comparisons are meaningful. Mosterin suggests that the only possible rational shared ground between cultures is limited to specific, punctual elements (memes), making comprehensive evaluation a difficult task. Furthermore, it considers cultures incommensurable, meaning they cannot be objectively ranked as better or worse.

Evaluating Cultures

Can cultures be evaluated and compared? While some argue they can, it is not an easy task because there is no objective or neutral viewpoint for cultural assessment.

Perspectives on Cultural Comparison

• Marvin Harris: He affirms that since all cultures serve the same set of basic human needs, desires, and impulses, humans often opt for similar alternatives. This approach is more hopeful than the radical relativism that claims it is impossible to transcend cultural differences.
• Clifford Geertz: He highlights the problem of explaining cultural needs, stating that man does not exist without the habits of his individual site. He emphasizes that what is important is the study of the specific human condition.

Ultimately, there are positions that allow for cultural comparison based on the common foundation of humanity. There are two primary approaches to assessing a culture: ethnocentrism and the relativist practice.