If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). 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. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. Reading: Types and Stages of Social Movements, 229. While each culture has specific and unique traits, there exist some traits that are found universally across all cultures of the world. The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. A more modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries while overlooking indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches that are better suited to the particular region. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. Outcome: Health in the United States and Abroad, 173. The opposite of xenocentrism is ethnocentrism which is the tendency to overvalue one's own . Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Outcome: The Sociological Imagination, 11. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. Synonyms for ethnocentricity in Free Thesaurus. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. This is an example of: Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture material culture: the objects or belongings of a group of people nonmaterial culture: the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society xenocentrism: a belief that another culture is superior to one's own [/hidden-answer] Some travelers pride themselves on their willingness to try unfamiliar foods, like celebrated food writer Anthony Bourdain, while others return home expressing gratitude for their native cultures fare. A high level of appreciation for ones own culture can be healthy; a shared sense of community pride, for example, connects people in a society. A more modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries while overlooking indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches that are better suited to the particular region. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. Reading: Introduction to Race and Ethnicity, 107. Reading: Conflict Perspective on Media and Technology, 242. Distinctions are made between different cultures based on language, behavior, customs, traditions, religion, etc. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. 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. Ethnocentric individuals believe they're better than other individuals for reasons based solely on their heritage. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. 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 patrons companion. 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. Why It Matters: Religion and Education, 147. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Aging, 184. Her imposing father kept his distance. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. It's the belief that one's ethnic group is superior to another. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. 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. [hidden-answer a=501221]. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. The idea was formulated by Franz Boas; however, the term was later introduced by the social theorist, Alan Locke in 1924. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others,and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. It can also lead to discrimination against people who are different. 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. 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. 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. Read the full article Oxytocin promotes human ethnocentrismhere. a tendency to evaluate other people, activities, cultures, etc. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. These cookies do not store any personal information. 1. 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. We hope you enjoy this website. This comparison of one's culture to others has a significant impact on how we perceive the people around us and the organizations to which we belong. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. 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. For instance, Ethan is an ethnocentrist; he considers others' beliefs and practices. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. https://assessments.lumenlearning.com/assessments/996. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Outcome: Sociological Views on Religion, 149. " Ethnocentrism, a term coined by William Graham Sumner, is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of your own ethnic culture and the belief that that is in fact the "right" way to look at the world. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. 27 Apr 2023 17:23:35 And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. This concept was developed to attempt to overcome ethnocentric bias when conducting anthropological studies. Reading: Introduction to Theoretical Perspectives, 15. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr), [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. It is a rule that is similar to "finder's keepers" because of the role that ethnocentrism plays in our personal approach. Ethnocentrism vs Cultural Relativism The difference between these two worldviews are vast but both views are very well and alive in today's society. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. 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. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. 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. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Social Movements, 231. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Religion, 150. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr). Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. 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. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Ethnicity, which relates to culturally . By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. 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. 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. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? It helps to remember that culture is learned. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. 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. This is so, because it is almost impossible to be unbiased while comparing cultures. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture. 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. 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. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. For example, in many countries, religious minorities (religions that are not the dominant religion) often face discrimination. Her imposing father kept his distance. 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. Why It Matters: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 214. 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. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines, 5. 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? Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Reading: Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Groups, 108. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. 3. RT @VirgilWalkerOMA: "Many would contend that the struggle for social justice and the propagation of Christian nationalism share no similarities. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Reading: Charter Schools and Homeschooling, 165. Outcome: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 128. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. 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: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 224. In the United States, its most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. Xenocentrism then stands in opposition to ethnocentrism, which is the belief that one's own culture or nation is superior to all others; those who show signs of ethnocentrism are said to. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. This leads to making incorrect assumptions about others' behavior based on your own norms, values, and beliefs. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Putting It Together: Work and the Economy, 213. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. Explanation: Hope its help The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. Reading: The McDonaldization of Society, 71. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, 240. 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. What issues or events might inform this? Ethnocentrism noun The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. 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. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. 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. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. Outcome: Media and Technology in Society, 238. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Introductory Sociology by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. What issues or events might inform this? 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. A culture consists of a group of people that possess specific traditions, language, belief system, customs, hierarchy, food, music, and literature. 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. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Reading: The Cultural Significance of Health, 170. Copyright Opinion Front & Buzzle.com, Inc. Modification, adaptation, and original content. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. Her imposing father kept his distance. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Culture and Society, 45. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. These two viewpoints are essentially distinct but do share a few similarities between them. 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. Explain each perspective, give an example of each, and discuss any flaws that each perspective might have. Why do you believe this? Reading: Functionalism on Media and Technology, 241. 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. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. Why It Matters: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 76.
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