She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Reading: The McDonaldization of Society, 71. 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. . (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr), [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. 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. Reading: Defining Social Stratification, 86. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Reading: The Graying of the United States, 181. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. In all these instances, you're considering yourself and your culture to be the best compared to all others. 5.5: Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. 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. Why do you believe this? Reading: Feminist Theory on Education, 160. 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. Reading: Healthcare Outside of the United States, 179. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. These views involve examining a culture and all its aspects and evaluating them. 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. It helps to remember that culture is learned. 1. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. 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. Why do you believe this? It also proposes that no culture has the right to judge another cultures customs and practices and that a culture must be understood in its own terms rather than by the standards of a foreign culture. Figure 2. Part of ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own race, ethnic or cultural group is the most important or that some or all aspects of its culture are superior to those of other groups. 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. 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. It involves evaluating other cultures and ethnic groups based on the standards and values of one's own group and viewing them as inferior or less important. 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. Outcome: Media and Technology in Society, 238. Reading: Introduction to Media and Technology, 235. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. It can also lead to discrimination against people who are different. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. Explanation: Hope its help 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. 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. Based on this subjective perception of other cultures, two types of views emerge when one compares two or more cultures. It creates an attitude of independence. 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. Outcome: Sexual Attitudes and Practices, 132. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. Putting It Together: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 190. Xenocentrism is the opposite of . Ethnocentrism is a way of thinking and perceiving the world that centers on one's own cultural or ethnic group. Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. The bias may be due to ones own cultural beliefs or due to the individuals understanding and perception of human rights and ethics. Outcome: Race, Ethnicity, and Discrimination, 106. Other articles where ethnocentrism is discussed: race: The difference between racism and ethnocentrism: racism must be distinguished from ethnicity and ethnocentrism. 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. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. Ethnocentrism is a global phenomenon and influences social interaction 1,2.It has been the source of ethnic strains in different regions, such as South Africa and Lebanon 3.It is assumed to be a . But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. These views are based on how one judges other cultures that are not ones own, and the practices and customs which are foreign in nature. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. Reading: Functionalism on Media and Technology, 241. (Credit: Arian Zwegers/flickr) Sagada, Echo Valley, hanging coffins. 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. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines, 5. Outcome: The Sociological Imagination, 11. #ChristianNationalism #nationalism. Her imposing father kept his distance. and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Reading: Functionalist Theory on Education, 158. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. 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. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. Reading: Healthcare in the United States, 176. 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. Ethnocentrism can be so strong that when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience disorientation and frustration. They are cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. Why It Matters: Sociological Foundations, 10. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. 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. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. Similarities and Differences Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. For instance, a particular practice may seem immoral or unethical according to the beliefs of a different culture, but those same practices may be perfectly acceptable and normal with respect to its own culture. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. A traveler from Chicago might find the nightly silence of rural Montana unsettling, not peaceful. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. In the United States, the mug is most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. Why It Matters: Work and the Economy, 202. Outcome: Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 119. Want to create or adapt books like this? If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. Reading: Defining the Sociological Imagination, 13. Reading: Theories of Self-Development, 61. 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. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. 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 tendency to evaluate other people, activities, cultures, etc. Exceptionalism Reading: Global Stratification and Inequality, 100. 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. Putting It Together: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 83. Reading: Roles and the Presentation of Self, 52. primarily from the perspective of one's own as being superior. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . Xenocentrism contrasts with ethnocentrism, the perceived superiority of one's . Read the full article here. Why do you believe this? And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. Some people will simply call it cultural ignorance. 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. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? RT @VirgilWalkerOMA: "Many would contend that the struggle for social justice and the propagation of Christian nationalism share no similarities. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Ethnocentric individuals believe they're better than other individuals for reasons based solely on their heritage. This perception of one's culture in comparison to other's plays a great role in how we perceive the individuals around us and the groups that we are a part of. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. 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. Reading: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, 109. Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, 137. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. 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. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. Reading: Lines of Descent and Family Stages, 141. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. The unique qualities of each culture influences the reasoning of an individual and plays a role in shaping the way that individual perceives the world and other cultures in it. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. 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 they are studying. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Education, 157. Putting It Together: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 224. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Read the full article here. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Reading: Social Constructions of Reality, 51. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! I disagree." The Dangerous Intersection of Christian Nationalism and Ethnocentrism. It is impossible for anyone to keep all cultural biases at bay; the best we can do is strive to be aware of them. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. The way individuals perceive other cultural practices can be broadly segregated into two types - cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. Her imposing father kept his distance. Reading: Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance, 82. Putting It Together: Work and the Economy, 213. 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. Reading: Marriage and Courtship Patterns, 138. 3 Reasons Doing Nothing Can Actually be Productive, 3 Myths Far Too Many People Believe About the Past. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. Ethnocentrism noun belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. What issues or events might inform this? Ethnocentrism in its extreme form gives rise to racism and supremacist (e.g., the holocaust), while cultural relativism allows the propagation of certain practices that violate basic human rights (e.g., the practice of female genital mutilation). We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Reading: Health in the United States, 174. Reading: Structural-Functional Theory, 18. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. 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 the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. 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. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, 240. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification, 103. 2 words related to ethnocentrism: partisanship, partiality. Hence, no theory is strictly enforced during cultural studies, therefore allowing one to understand another culture without the need to approve or disapprove of it. Outcome: Types of Formal Organizations, 69. Xenocentrism Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity, 111. Why It Matters: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 76. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. 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. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. In psychological terms, xenocentrism is considered a type of deviant behavior because it sways from the norms of society. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.org. (The Greek root word xeno, pronounced ZEE-no, means stranger or foreign guest.) An exchange student who goes home after a semester abroad or a sociologist who returns from the field may find it difficult to associate with the values of their own culture after having experienced what they deem a more upright or nobler way of living. 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. For instance, Ethan is an ethnocentrist; he considers others' beliefs and practices. 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. Reading: Introduction to Sociological Research, 29. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. 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. When Rodneys host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. Some people will simply call it cultural ignorance. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and to practice cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. The basis for evaluation differs according to the view employed. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. Reading: Symbolic Interactionist Theory, 20. Why It Matters: Social Stratification and Inequality, 85. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Government, 199. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. Read the full article Oxytocin promotes human ethnocentrismhere. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture. Outcome: The Social Construction of Health, 169. Xenocentrism noun A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. 3. Music and laughter are examples of: http://cnx.org/contents/02040312-72c8-441e-a685-20e9333f3e1d/Introduction_to_Sociology_2e. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. 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. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. In a more extreme sense, some cultures may idolize . Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Ethnicity, which relates to culturally . Some visitors may find this practice admirable, while others may think its inappropriate. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. Outcome: Social Stratification in the United States, 89. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, and not in comparison to another culture culture shock: an experience of personal disorientation when confronted with an unfamiliar way of life ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture xenocentrism: Reading: Introduction to Work and the Economy, 205. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. is that ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture while xenocentrism is a preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture.
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