Cultural Relativism: 30 Advantages and Disadvantages

Cultural relativism is a prominent concept in the realm of anthropology and ethics. This article explores 30 distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with cultural relativism, shedding light on its complex and often debated implications for understanding diverse cultures and ethical frameworks.

Cultural relativism is the idea that the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular culture should be understood and judged within the context of that culture, rather than from an external, ethnocentric standpoint. Advocates argue that this approach fosters tolerance, respect, and a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity, as it refrains from imposing one’s own cultural standards onto others. However, like any philosophical concept, cultural relativism has its share of strengths and weaknesses that continue to spark intellectual and ethical debates.

What is Cultural Relativism?

In a world where diverse cultures collide and intermingle, the concept of cultural relativism emerges as a guiding principle that encourages us to understand, respect, and appreciate the rich tapestry of human societies.

Cultural relativism, in its essence, is a philosophical stance that underscores the belief that no single set of values, norms, or moral standards can be universally applied to judge all cultures. It recognizes the inherent diversity of human societies, acknowledging that what is considered “right” or “wrong” varies across different cultural contexts. This notion has far-reaching implications for anthropology, ethics, and global diplomacy.

At its core, cultural relativism asks us to suspend our ethnocentrism, the tendency to judge other cultures based on the standards of our own. Instead, it prompts us to view cultures through their unique lenses, appreciating that what may be deemed acceptable in one society could be reprehensible in another.

The driving force behind cultural relativism is the acknowledgment that cultural norms and values are not arbitrary but are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, geographical, social, and economic factors. Consider, for instance, the practice of arranged marriages in certain societies. While it may seem restrictive to some, it is seen as a harmonious union of families in others.

Moreover, cultural relativism does not advocate for moral indifference or cultural superiority. It is not a blanket endorsement of every practice or belief. Rather, it encourages us to engage in nuanced discussions, evaluating cultural practices within their own contexts. By doing so, we can better understand the roots of these practices and potentially find areas where meaningful dialogue and change can occur.

Cultural relativism has been both celebrated and criticized in academic circles and beyond. Critics argue that it can lead to moral relativism, where any behavior, no matter how harmful, is excused in the name of cultural understanding. Defenders assert that it is a powerful tool for fostering empathy, tolerance, and cross-cultural collaboration.

In a world increasingly marked by globalization, the question of how cultures interact and coexist becomes paramount. Cultural relativism, with its roots deep in the annals of anthropology and philosophy, offers us a lens through which we can better comprehend the complex web of human values. It urges us to engage in meaningful conversations about our shared humanity while respecting the distinct paths we have all traveled to arrive at our respective worldviews.

In essence, cultural relativism is a call to embrace the pluralistic nature of our world, to revel in the mosaic of human societies, and to, above all, appreciate the kaleidoscope of beliefs and practices that make our global tapestry so brilliantly diverse. It is a guiding principle for an era where cultural encounters and exchanges are the heartbeat of our interconnected world.

The Biggest Advantages of Cultural Relativism

1. Respects Cultural Diversity – cultural relativism encourages respect and valuing each culture’s differences such as their practices and perspectives. This implies that there is no superior or inferior culture and that richer cultures are superior to human civilization. It promotes cultural understanding and empathy that can foster collaboration for a more harmonious and interconnected world.

2. Avoids Ethnocentrism – ethnocentrism refers to the evaluation of other cultures according to the standards and customs of one’s culture. Cultural relativism helps prevent ethnocentrism suggesting that you cannot judge other cultures because in your culture you are doing it. For example, if you are good at speaking English it doesn’t mean that others should too because they have their norms in speaking.

3. Cultural Preservation – Cultural relativism helps preserve traditional customs and practices. It is important for the conservation of own identity and the continuity of smaller and older cultural groups. Common examples of this are the restoration of historical buildings and the recording of traditional tales.

4. Promotes Tolerance – Cultural relativism urges individuals to actively embrace open-mindedness and acknowledge that other cultures may possess valid reasons for their beliefs and practices. For example, they are eating a food that is strange to your “normal” kind of food yet you cannot judge their food because it may have a valid reason why they are eating it.

5. Anthropological Understanding – it is a fundamental concept in anthropology (anthropology refers to the study of human societies and cultures and their development). It helps the researchers to approach cultures without prejudiced biases.

6. Avoids Cultural Imperialism – Cultural imperialism refers to the imposition by one usually a politically or economically dominant community of different aspects of its own culture to another nondominant community.

7. Cultural Self-Determination – Cultural relativism supports the idea that all cultures have the right to determine their values and norms. For example, the Maori people of New Zealand have advocated for their cultural determination just like pushing their control over their ancestral lands, language revitalization, and protection for their sacred sites. In return, this movement has led to legal and political changes in New Zealand with Maori people’s self-determination successfully recognized by the government.

8. Reduces Conflict – Cultural relativism helps acknowledge cultural differences that lead to reducing conflicts from possible cultural clashes.

9. Cultural Exchange – cultural exchange with the help of the principles of cultural relativism promotes an interaction of different cultures learning and sharing. It emphasizes the concept of open-mindedness and willingness to engage with different cultural perspectives, practices, and traditions leading to a harmonious understanding of the world.

10. Promotes Relativism in Ethics – Cultural relativism supports the idea that ethics are not absolute and can vary in different cultures. It eventually leads to a more open and flexible framework. Ethical framework refers to a system of moral principles that guide our actions and help us make the right choices.

11. Enhances Cross-Cultural Understanding – cultural relativism also helps a deeper understanding of different cultures. It helps in a way that it lets us see things from other culture’s perspective.

12. Preserve Cultural Heritage – It helps in preserving cultural heritage, including languages, customs, and traditions.

13. Human Rights Consideration – Cultural relativism helps acknowledge that human rights may differ from different cultures. It helps to understand the differences between universal human rights versus culturally specific rights. Universal rights means that the same human rights should apply to everyone regardless of culture while cultural relativist believes that human rights should take account of cultural differences.

14. Breaking Stereotypes – it breaks the stereotypes and biased opinions about other cultures. It also promotes a more refined view of different cultures.

15. Encourages Cultural Sensitivity – Cultural relativism encourages individuals to be more culturally sensitive and aware in a diverse world.

Disadvantages of Cultural Relativism

1. Moral Relativism – Cultural relativism can lead to moral relativism. Moral relativism suggests that individuals and cultures can have varying perspectives on what is right or wrong. It implies that morality depends on individual views or group conventions rather than universal morality. Bribery may be common in other cultures, but that doesn’t imply it’s okay.

2. Inhibits Progress –When cultural practices like gender discrimination and other abuses are justified, they may impede social progress.

3. No Moral Critique – Cultural relativism can potentially allow injustice and oppression within a culture. It can potentially prevent the moral critique for following harmful practices in a culture.

4. Lack of Human Rights – Cultural relativism can also compromise human rights universally. It may be difficult to address other global issues just like genocide or slavery.

5. Cultural Stagnation –It may keep other cultures stuck and inhibit them from changing.

6. Justifies Discrimination – Using cultural relativism to justify discrimination against minority groups within a culture is possible.

7. No Basis for Evaluation – There is no objective basis for evaluating different cultural practices. It can also hinder in determining for a better morality.

8. No Cultural Improvement – Cultural resistance to change, especially to improve living conditions or relieve suffering, may hamper attempts.

9. No Cross-Cultural Standard – No cross-cultural norm exists to resolve cultural conflicts or ethical difficulties.

10. Incompatible with Human Rights – Cultural relativism conflicts with universal human rights since some cultures abuse them. An example of this is FGM (female genital mutilation) which some cultures are practicing for their cultural reasons but FGM for human rights is condemned as a violation of several fundamental rights. It includes the right to life, the right to be free from cruelty, and the right to bodily integrity.

11. Selective Application – One can selectively apply cultural relativism in a certain situation. Some of the powerful cultures are using it to justify their actions while condemning others.

12. Cultural Tolerance Vs. Moral Tolerance – This can confuse cultural tolerance with moral tolerance.

13. Ethical Dilemmas – it is difficult to resolve ethical dilemmas with cultural relativism. It may conflict with the cultural norms against human rights and common morality.

14. Cultural Change Suppression –Culture-based opposition may delay culturally beneficial developments like technology and medicine that could help them.

15. Undermines Critical Thinking – Cultural relativism encourages conformity to cultural norms rather than critical thinking and moral reflection.