The Discipline of Us Anthropology, Essay Example

In the most basic sense, the concept of cultural relativism addresses the differences and variations from one culture to the next, and poses the question “can one culture be superior to another?” This question, and those related to it, are of ever-increasing significance in the age of globalization, when members of different cultures engage and interact with those of other cultures on a previously unknown scale. Amstutz (1999) describes the contemporary world as one of “cultural pluralism,” and asserts that “the challenge posed by cultural pluralism is how to reconcile universal human rights claims with the fact of cultural and moral relativity.” While the subject of morality is not the only measure by which different cultures can be compared, it is unquestionably one of the most significant factors to consider in an age when cultural pluralism is a defining component of contemporary human existence.

Anthropologists are tasked with the study of different cultures, making the issue of cultural relativism one of overriding concern. Anthropologists bring with them their own set of cultural attributes (not the least of which is their culturally-based systems of morality). In practical terms, cultural relativism means that what one culture views as “right” or “wrong” may be quite different from the ways that other cultures view similar practices. Anthropologists must take care to maintain some sense of objectivity when studying other cultures, and avoid reaching conclusions about other cultures based on their own cultural backgrounds (Anderson & Looney, 2002). Culture is so pervasive that it largely defines our worldview, meaning “a set of assumptions about the way things are” (Park, 2014). It is important for anthropologists to consider the different worldviews of the cultures they study, and to avoid drawing inaccurate conclusions about the worldviews of other cultures.

Response 1: Amanda West

Your analysis and discussion about cultural relativism is thoughtful and well-constructed; I found it particularly valuable in terms of how you discussed a number of practical, real-world issues related to the intersection of culture and morality. The subject of how some culturally-rooted behaviors or other cultural attributes is of particular concern for anthropologists, and this is apparent in any discussion about human rights. You made mention of the ways that women are treated in different cultures, and how one society may treat women in ways that another society would deem to be inappropriate or simply wrong. These sorts of discussions are what make the issue of cultural relativism so significant, as our increasingly-global society attempts to wrestle with issues related to universal human rights and other issues of cultural and social importance.

Response 2: Eugene Marino

As I read about the subject of cultural relativism, I was struck by the fact that the concept of cultural relativism is actually fairly new. According to one source it was a term first coined in the early 1900s, making it less than a century old. When reading your post I noted that you cut right to the heart of the issue with this statement: “early anthropologists were not very good at suspending their own judgments when looking at other cultures.” This is a particularly important subject for anthropologists to consider. It can sometimes  be difficult to see the behaviors of other cultures without making judgments about whether those behaviors are right or wrong.

References

Amstutz, M. R. (1999). International ethics. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Anderson, C. L. & Looney, J. W. (2002). Making progress. Lanham [Md.]: Lexington Books.

Park, M. A. (2014). Introducing anthropology. 6th ed. New York, NY: Mcgraw-Hill.