Cultural Relativism Advantages and Disadvantages

Cultural relativism is a theory that seems to specify that there’s no total right and wrong. In its place the standards, morals as well as behaviors that differ among society should be taken into contemplation or consideration. The idea is actually according to the principle that there’s no culture that can define the right or wrong for every cultures but beliefs and behaviors should be evaluated as good or bad on every culture’s standard. Cultural relativism has also its advantages and disadvantages, read on this article to know some of them.

Respect for Each Culture

Supporters of cultural relativism dispute that the philosophy supports neutrality and decreases ethnocentrism from assessments of various cultures. The main benefits of exploring each other culture from this viewpoint is that we could evaluate their standards and ethics with an impartial objectivity, which advocates supports for better tolerance and understanding. This make cultural relativism helps one to respect each other culture.

The opponents of cultural relativism dispute the idea or viewpoint is bad for the reason that it ignores the perception that good and bad exceeds cultural differences. Opponents also disputes that theory is rationally imperfect practices and behaviors that must be condemned no matter is the culture.

Cultural relativism was founded as theory by Franz Boas, a Jewish, German-American scientist during the 20th century. He is called as the father of modern anthropology and he initiate that the notion of the cultural relativism during his early years wherein he was bothered by bigotry and racial bias that is common for most anthropologist. As a result, he required to eliminate these biases from grave scientific study. He also argued that every culture must be explored, evaluated and comparative to its individual ethical standards.

Cultural relativism has applications in ethics, politics, religion and philosophy. For an instance, moral relativism is the accompanying theory that morals could only be assessed from their individual cognitive relativism and moral code is actually the theory that there’s no definite objective truth, but several truths comparative to an individual or group according to their beliefs.

One of the best examples of cultural relativism is the paintings during the 17th century, wherein women are painted nude, wherein their body is a bit voluptuous as the painter think that this is a representation of real womanhood and sexiness. On the other hand, some people sees that the women in the painting are fat and chubby not sexy.

When you visit other country, keep in mind that there are varied cultures and tradition. Some of the traits or behavior that you are accustomed or familiar may be accepted in your country. On the other hand, some of these behaviors may not be acceptable in other places or country you are. That is why, it is very important to study each culture and tradition before you visit because it can certainly help you prevent any awkward result from your actions. Cultural relativism is very important for the reason that this will help you understand that various societies have varied cultures and beliefs.