Outcome: Globalization and the Economy, 209. Reading: Contemporary Issues in Education, 166. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. Living with these constant adaptive challenges can make people feel incompetent and insecure. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. Even the most culturally relativist people from egalitarian societiesones in which women have political rights and control over their own bodieswould question whether the widespread practice of female genital mutilation in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan should be accepted as a part of cultural tradition. They are cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. Read the full article here. What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. Reading: Conflict Perspective on Media and Technology, 242. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. Why do you believe this? While extreme ethnocentrism may take the same offensive form and may have the same dire consequences as extreme racism, there are significant differences between the two concepts. It may also possess subcultures within it, with their own unique and distinct characteristics. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. An American visiting Italy might long for a real pizza or complain about the unsafe driving habits of Italians compared to people in the United States. 1. Reading: Introduction to Work and the Economy, 205. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Religion, 150. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. What Caitlin hadnt realized was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on subtle cues like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. What are synonyms for ethnocentricity? [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture and adapt to its norms, they recover from culture shock. Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices. This is related to ethnocentrism because cultural interactions are increasing as the world gets smaller due to factors such as technology and cooperation between nations. Why It Matters: Government and Politics, 196. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. Reading: Structural-Functional Theory, 18. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Reading: Healthcare Outside of the United States, 179. Reading: Health in the United States, 174. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. The basis for evaluation differs according to the view employed. All people are the same; its only their habits that are different. Confucius. Reading: Introduction to Race and Ethnicity, 107. A traveler from Chicago might find the nightly silence of rural Montana unsettling, not peaceful. Putting It Together: Race and Ethnicity, 120. Reading: The McDonaldization of Society, 71. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. 27 Apr 2023 17:23:35 Perhaps the Chicago traveler was initially captivated by Montanas quiet beauty and the Chinese student was originally excited to see a U.S.-style classroom firsthand. Reading: Socialization Across the Life Course, 68. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Ethnocentrism noun The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. Ethnocentrism noun belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. The unique qualities of each culture influences the reasoning of an individual and plays a role in shaping the way that individual perceives the world and other cultures in it. Music and laughter are examples of: [reveal-answer q=72875]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Ethnocentrism can be a contributing factor to prejudice, racism, and xenophobia. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Ethnocentrism vs Cultural Relativism The difference between these two worldviews are vast but both views are very well and alive in today's society. The only major similarity they share is the fact that they are both meant as ways to evaluate and judge cultures other than our own. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. One example is the romanticization of the noble savage in the 18th-century primitivism movement in European art, philosophy and ethnography. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. The main similarity is that they both are too much. Cite this page as follows: "Compare and contrast ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. #ChristianNationalism #nationalism. These two viewpoints are essentially distinct but do share a few similarities between them. In the United States, for instance, it is often assumed that European products such as wine and cheese are superior to those produced locally. Reading: Global Stratification and Inequality, 100. Reading: Symbolic Interactionist Theory, 20. Reading: Social Constructions of Reality, 51. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Over the course of his stay, Barger participated in caribou hunts, learned how to take shelter in winter storms, and sometimes went days with little or no food to share among tribal members. If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? Similarities and Differences Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. Outcome: Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 119. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. Introductory Sociology by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism, 39. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, and not in comparison to another culture culture shock: an experience of personal disorientation when confronted with an unfamiliar way of life ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture xenocentrism: In sociology, we call thisculture shock. Outcome: The Sociological Imagination, 11. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He further clarified that such a view would lead to a sense of pride, vanity, superiority over others, and contempt towards those that are not a part of that group. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. Putting It Together: Social Movements, Media, and Technology. This is an example of: [reveal-answer q=501221]Show Glossary[/reveal-answer] [hidden-answer a=501221]. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Reading: Lines of Descent and Family Stages, 141. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. Reading: Symbolic Interactionism and Society, 49. The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.org. This perception of one's culture in comparison to other's plays a great role in how we perceive the individuals around us and the groups that we are a part of. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a large personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. . Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. The opposite of xenocentrism is ethnocentrism which is the tendency to overvalue one's own . Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. It helps to remember that culture is learned. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Someone from a country where dog meat is standard fare might find it off-putting to see a dog in a French restaurantnot on the menu, but as a pet and fellow patrons companion. Why It Matters: Religion and Education, 147. Outcome: Religion in the United States, 155. Reading: Social Change and Modernization, 233. 26 Ethnocentrism synonyms. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. Reading: Theories of Self-Development, 61. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Urbanization, 220. Outcome: Challenges Facing the Elderly, 189. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture they are studying. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Ethnocentrism is a way of thinking and perceiving the world that centers on one's own cultural or ethnic group. Reading: Introduction to Theoretical Perspectives, 15. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines, 5. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Why It Matters: Work and the Economy, 202. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term culture shock. In his studies, Oberg found that most people found encountering a new culture to be exciting at first. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Reading: Poverty in the United States, 212. Reading: Marriage and Courtship Patterns, 138. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. Why do you believe this? Why It Matters: Socialization and Interaction, 55. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. For instance, Ethan is an ethnocentrist; he considers others' beliefs and practices. Why It Matters: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 214. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. I disagree." The Dangerous Intersection of Christian Nationalism and Ethnocentrism. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. Figure 2. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. Outcome: Collective Behavior and Social Movements, 228. Why do you believe this? Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Aging, 184. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Reading: Types and Stages of Social Movements, 229. Reading: Introduction to Sociological Research, 29. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related. Perhaps the Chicago traveler was initially captivated with Montanas quiet beauty and the Chinese student was originally excited to see a U.S.-style classroom firsthand. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a larger personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Antonyms for ethnocentricity. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. Reading: Defining the Sociological Imagination, 13. Reading: Defining Social Stratification, 86. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr), [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Reading: Universal Access to Education, 156. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. Copyright Opinion Front & Buzzle.com, Inc. The way individuals perceive other cultural practices can be broadly segregated into two types - cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Her imposing father kept his distance. Outcome: Media and Technology in Society, 238. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Reading: Demography and Population Growth, 219. It can take weeks or months to recover from culture shock, and it can take years to fully adjust to living in a new culture. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a large personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. It is unexpected that an individual would value the goods, services, styles, ideas and other cultural elements of another nation. Figure 1. Her imposing father kept his distance. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Reading: Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Groups, 108. Cultural relativism is a view that a culture must be judged according to its own cultural standards. A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. Reading: Types of Formal Organizations, 70.