Spotlight on Students: Cultural Relativism & Ethnocentrism

This post highlights the work required of my SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology students.  Students were given the opportunity to explore a different culture through two lenses: cultural relativism and ethnocentrism, and through this exercise learn about themselves and the other culture. Several students were given the opportunity to have their exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission have their work featured here.   Please show your appreciation for their work through the comments.

By: Kaden Quinn

As anthropology students it is important to consider how we perceive different cultures and how ours might be perceived, as well. The conversation regarding “cultural relativism” and “ethnocentrism” and the relationship, or lack of thereof, between them is important to anthropological studies. To completely understand this relationship, we must first examine the two concepts, define them, and apply them to the situation at hand. Only after will we have a stronger grasp on what we need to understand as anthropologists.

According to Anthropology: Asking Questions about Human Origins, Diversity, and Culture, the authors define ethnocentrism as “the assumption that one’s own way of doing things is correct, while dismissing other people’s practices or views as wrong or ignorant” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017: 11). The authors indicate that viewing a different culture negatively by comparing that culture to one’s own is a clear example of ethnocentrism (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). By perceiving different cultures strictly from an ethnocentric point of view, the study is tainted and perverted into a discriminatory practice. Not only that, but any potential anthropological discovery is halted as the anthropologist in question has suspended him or herself from studying the culture by vilifying and/or dismissing it.

By contrast cultural relativism is the exact opposite of ethnocentrism. The text defines the concept as “the moral and intellectual principle that one should withhold judgement about seemingly strange or exotic beliefs.” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017: 11). Here anthropologists withhold judgment of a different culture, in relation to their own cultural standards, so they can acquire a better look/ understanding of a subject (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017: 11). When viewing different cultures through the lens of cultural relativism, the anthropologist understands that judging the subject so harshly can restrict him or herself from making the proper examination/assessment. It is always important to look at the subject from an unbiased, non-judgmental perspective as to collect a complete analysis.

Regarding the scenario demonstrated in Assignment 1, the LU students seem to be taking an ethnocentric point of view. After Matthew describes the Mummering tradition to his new peers many of them are initially quite dismissive. They question why anyone would let a masked person into their house, let them dance around, and then reward them with food if they are able to guess who that person was. On the surface, it might seem quite strange as well if one was not familiar with them Mummering tradition themselves. As Americans we are constantly reminded of high-crime rates, in-door break ins, robbery, and murder by news and entertainment. A stranger wearing mask could be anybody and even if it was someone whose identity you could guess, you could never be sure of who they were and if they were going to harm you. However, that is only an American’s cultural environment, and perhaps not for the nation of Canada entirely. And while Canada might not be the crime-free utopia its depicted as, America, comparatively, seems to have less trust toward potential strangers due to the external influences previously mentioned. The LU students’ error in assessing the Mummering tradition was comparing Matthew’s cultural environment to theirs. They were looking at the tradition through an ethnocentric lens.

However, by looking through the lens of cultural relativism the students view the tradition quite differently. After their initial surprise Matthew compares the tradition to Halloween. There children dress up in frightening costumes and walk door-to-door around their neighborhood asking for candy. By withholding their judgement, they allowed themselves to see the similarity between the two traditions and to draw comparisons between them. Afterwards the students were able to see how normal a tradition as such Mummering might be considered in its place of origin. Thanks to cultural relativism the LU students were able to things from Matthew’s perspective.

By looking at both perspectives we were able to see the different thought processes of Matthew and the LU students. One demonstrated how ethnocentrism influences our reaction toward different cultures, while the other showcases how cultural relativism can allow us study and celebrate our differences. While I personally was interested in understanding the tradition, I was also a thrown off. Initially, I had the same mindset as the LU students who were surprised at how the tradition worked. All I could think was how strangers in masks are portrayed in the media. Usually these individuals are depicted as villains, murderers, robbers, etc. As was previously stated, however, I was looking at the Mummering tradition through an ethnocentric lens. I was comparing Matthew’s culture to my own, not realizing that, despite their similarities, Canada and the United States do not foster the same cultural environment. By taking into account the varying factors of ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, and the scenario between Matthew and his fellow LU students, we can confirm a stronger understanding of anthropology. 

Bibliography:

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•  Welsch, R. L., Vivanco, L. A., Fuentes, A. (2017). Anthropology: asking questions about human origins, diversity, and culture. New York: Oxford University Press. 

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By: Kim Hill

Throughout various social groups around the world there is a wide range of diversity.

Diversity shows us how all humans around the world differ from one another and explains how it affects cultural practices. (Welch, Vivanco & Fuentes 2017: 11-12) Within these various social groups, one may find specific cultural practices that can be very unique. With the vast amount of societies around the world there are bound to be things that we dislike. Some may dislike the practice, because they do not like the clothing, language, or it may be too unfamiliar. It could

also be that the practice offends them or goes against their own beliefs. In fact, cultures share very similar practices when we research them closely. All these are good points to consider when researching or hearing about another’s cultural practices. Throughout this essay I will discuss the Mummering tradition to teach you the difference between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism and how it pertains to viewing cultural practices.

Mummering is a tradition practiced in Newfoundland, Canada (Bramley, Ellie & Walker, Fenella 2016.) This tradition started in the early 1800s and it takes place each year around

Christmas. The tradition includes individuals dressing up, going to a neighbor’s home, and performing. Due to the individual being dressed up with a mask and having a distorted voice neighbors have to guess who the person, or “Mummer”, is. Once the performances are completed the Mummers are rewarded with refreshments. Some people feel indifferent about this practice,

and this is where the ethnocentric and culturally relativistic perspectives come into play.

Ethnocentrism is the assumption that one’s own way of doing things is correct, while dismissing other people’s practices or views as wrong or ignorant. (Welch, Vivanco & Fuentes 2017:11-12) This way of thinking is considered judgmental. In the same text cultural relativism is described as the moral and intellectual principal that one should withhold judgement about

seemingly strange or exotic beliefs and practices. (Welch, Vivanco & Fuentes 2017: 11-12). There is no way to make one person feel a specific way regarding a cultural practice, but knowing the difference between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism is important. It can set the tone for an individual and help broaden their minds to experiencing and learning new things if they choose to culturally relativistic.

Matthew expresses to his peers that Mummering is a big part of his culture. Matthew

stated to his peers that he believes that his cultural tradition is similar to the American tradition called Halloween. If one had an ethnocentric interpretation of Mummering they would call this tradition “weird” or “strange.” Making comments such as “That sounds stupid,” or “I would

never participate in that!” can be very offensive. Even a person’s body language, such as sticking out their tongue, rolling their eyes, or making a face, toward the tradition reflects an ethnocentric interpretation.

With a more open mind and non-judgmental perspective this allows an individual to learn. Being culturally relative regarding this particular situation would allow Matthews peers to ask questions. Some good questions that could be asked to learn more about the tradition of

Mummering would be: “How did this tradition begin?”, “What is your favorite part and why?”, “When introducing this tradition to your family is there anything you would do differently?”.

Taking time to research on your own is another great way to show cultural relativism.

The Mummering tradition resembles the tradition Halloween that is celebrated in America. During Halloween individuals dress up in costumes and walk around their

neighborhoods receiving candy for their best tricks or simply for having a great costume. My ethnocentric interpretation would be that I do not agree with individuals coming into the home performing. I would certainly enjoy the costume, but I also would not want to cook all the

necessary snacks for them. My culturally relativistic interpretation is that I would openly enjoy seeing everyone dress up and research more about the tradition. I think that it is a good way to interact with those in your neighborhood.

In conclusion, learning the difference between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism is important when dealing with cultures. It is easy to pass judgement on someone else’s beliefs or practices when you are not familiar with them. Learning how not to be judgmental and stay open minded is highly suggested so that you do not offend others.

W orks Cited

Anthropology: Asking Questions About Human Origins, Diversity, and Culture

Robert Welsch-Luis Vivanco-Agustin Fuentes - Oxford University Press – 2017

Bramley, Ellie and Walker, Fenella

Newfoundland mummers Christmas house-visit

“The Time Of Mummering And The Composition Of Mummering Groups” 2016

h ttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2016/dec/21/christmas-tradition-of-mummering-new f oundland-canada-folklore