SOC 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Cultural Relativism, Ethnocentrism, Cultural Appropriation

• School: Irvine Valley College
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 1
• Professor: brown

Document Summary

Only by comparing our own cultural beliefs and customs with those of others can we hope to learn more about ourselves. In the canadian context, this might also include learning how indigenous peoples lived with their homelands and waters for thousands of years. Culture is such a powerful influence on our lives that most people exhibit ethnocentrism a tendency to view one"s own culture as superior to all others. Being a member of a particular culture instills a sense of group loyalty and pride that is important when unity is necessary for example, during wars or natural disasters. But for sociologists, or anyone who wants to understand another culture, ethnocentrism is inconsistent with the sociological perspective because it restricts one"s ability to appreciate cultural diversity. This can lead to unjust discrimination at home and abroad. Respect for cultural diversity includes appreciation for similarities as well as awareness of differences and a respect for appropriate boundaries.