The strengths of cultural relativism
Now that we have looked at the central claims of cultural relativism with an analytical eye, let's turn to considering its strengths explicitly.
· It encourages respect and tolerance for all cultures and societies
· By extension, it advocates for equality among and between cultures
· It encourages a sense of unity within a culture by maintaining that all are bound by the same rules
· It provides an appropriate set of "rules" for all within that culture to obey and for outsiders to conform to, once they step within the bounds of that culture
· It warns us against assuming that all of our own cultural practices are based on some "absolute rational standard".(Rachels, p 30)
· It stresses the benefits of keeping an open mind and not rushing to judgment.
The weaknesses of cultural relativism
Are there weaknesses within cultural relativism as well? Probably.
It has been argued that the weaknesses of cultural relativism include:
· By accepting that all cultures are equal and none are superior or inferior, we prevent people from protesting against harmful practices either inside or outside their own societies.
Some examples include:
o The Chinese who argued against their own government in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989
o The Americans who protested against their own country's involvement in the Vietnam War and
o The Poles of the Solidarity movement who argued against their government's closing of the shipyards in Gdansk.
If we accept that a culture is right for all its members, these protesters would have had no moral or ethical principles to support their calls for justice.
Few people would however accept this line of reasoning and many applaud the bravery of those who protested and, in the Tiananmen Square uprising in particular, lost their lives.
· Negating the idea of moral progress
Societies evolve, adapt and adjust, often in search of more fairness and justice for all.
Because some analytical and critical thinkers saw that slavery, racism and colonisation were not in the best interests of all and were actively doing harm to some members of society, these practices have been increasingly abolished or at least discouraged throughout the 20th century.
Most would agree that these changes have benefited societies and humanity. However, such changes would not have been encouraged or achieved if a narrow view of cultural relativism had prevailed.
Cultural relativism helps promote understanding and tolerance of different cultures by recognizing that beliefs and practices can vary widely among societies. It allows for the preservation of cultural diversity and traditions without imposing outside judgments. Embracing cultural relativism can also lead to more open-minded and respectful interactions between individuals from different cultures.
Advantages of an extended family include strong support system, sharing responsibilities, and preservation of cultural traditions. Disadvantages can include conflicts over decision-making, lack of privacy, and difficulty in coordinating schedules.
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Factors that have encouraged cultural contacts include advancements in communication technology, ease of travel, globalization, and increasing interest in cultural diversity. Factors that have created barriers to cultural contacts include language barriers, political conflicts, discrimination, and cultural stereotypes.
Advantages: Cultural control methods are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. They can help reduce pest populations by manipulating their environment, behavior, or cultural practices without relying on chemicals. Disadvantages: Cultural control methods may require time and effort to implement and maintain. They may also not provide immediate results and could be less effective against certain pest species that have high reproductive rates or adaptability.
Some advantages of assimilation include promoting social cohesion and unity by integrating diverse cultural groups into a more cohesive society, enhancing economic opportunities through a more homogeneous workforce, and reducing ethnic tensions by minimizing cultural differences.
Disadvantages of cultural borrowing include the potential for misrepresentation or misappropriation of the original culture, perpetuation of stereotypes, and loss of cultural integrity. Advantages can include promoting diversity, fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and encouraging creativity and innovation through cross-cultural collaboration.
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Some advantages of a tribal system include a strong sense of community and support network, clear social hierarchy and roles, efficient decision-making processes, and preservation of cultural traditions and values.
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Some advantages of the Columbian Exchange include the exchange of plants and animals between the Americas and Europe, leading to increased agricultural productivity and diversified diets. It also facilitated the spread of new technologies and cultural ideas, helping to shape the global economy and society.
Learning cultural anthropology helps you understand diverse cultural perspectives, promotes cultural sensitivity, and fosters critical thinking skills by challenging your own cultural assumptions. It also provides insights into the complexities of human societies and how they adapt to change over time.
Advantages of an extended family include strong support system, sharing responsibilities, and preservation of cultural traditions. Disadvantages can include conflicts over decision-making, lack of privacy, and difficulty in coordinating schedules.
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