Document Summary
These customs vary from country to country, making them complex and difficult to understand from an outside perspective. Sociologists explain cultural differences by examining cultural universals, using cultural relativism and ethnocentrism, and looking at material and non-material culture. sociologists begin to understand the inner workings of societies other than their own. These patterns, such as family units, weddings, and funerals, create a common ground. From this common ground, sociologists can look to see where societies differ and where these differences could have begun. Another way in which sociologists can examine and explain cultural differences is through cultural relativism. This is the practice of assessing a culture by one"s own standards. This is a comparative practice, allowing for sociologists to detail the differences between cultures. From these comparisons, sociologists are able to see where cultures differ from their own, making the path to understanding and explaining the differences more clear.
