Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Stratification, 101. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification, 102. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Ethnocentric individuals believe that their own ethnicity is centrally important and all other cultures and ethnicity must be judged according to the standards of their own culture. A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. What are another words for Ethnocentrism? Reading: Feminist Theory on Education, 160. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she hadnt come. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. This is an example of: [reveal-answer q=501221]Show Glossary[/reveal-answer] Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging other cultures based. The bias may be due to ones own cultural beliefs or due to the individuals understanding and perception of human rights and ethics. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Putting It Together: Work and the Economy, 213. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. Reading: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, 109. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, 137. 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. 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. 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 a particular region. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. Reading: Introduction to Media and Technology, 235. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Read the full article Oxytocin promotes human ethnocentrismhere. Similarities and Differences Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. As nouns the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism 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. In the United States, for instance, it is often assumed that European products such as wine and cheese are superior to those produced locally. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. The basis for evaluation differs according to the view employed. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. Perhaps the Chicago traveler was initially captivated by Montanas quiet beauty and the Chinese student was originally excited to see a U.S.-style classroom firsthand. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification, 103. It helps to remember that culture is learned. Putting It Together: Religion and Education, 167. 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. Outcome: Sexual Attitudes and Practices, 132. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr). Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Putting It Together: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 83. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. As nouns the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism. 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. On the one hand, ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgments of the behaviors of groups or societies. " Ethnocentrism, a term coined by William Graham Sumner, is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of your own ethnic culture and the belief that that is in fact the "right" way to look at the world. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). I disagree." The Dangerous Intersection of Christian Nationalism and Ethnocentrism. 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: Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Read the full article here. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Putting It Together: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 190. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Religion, 150. Reading: Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance, 82. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. Her imposing father kept his distance. Outcome: Religion in the United States, 155. Why do you believe this? 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. What issues or events might inform this? These distinctions and subjective comparisons impart a cultural identity to each ethnicity. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. By the end of Caitlins trip, shed made new lifelong friends. Reading: Defining Social Stratification, 86. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. 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. Outcome: Sociological Views on Religion, 149. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Gender, 130. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Reading: Socialization Across the Life Course, 68. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Reading: Marriage and Courtship Patterns, 138. Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. Answer (1 of 3): The main similarity is that they both are too much. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. Outcome: Pop Culture, Subculture, and Cultural Change, 44. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that one's own culture is better than all others, and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. Both views present negative connotations. . He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. 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: The McDonaldization of Society, 71. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. This comparison of one's culture to others has a significant impact on how we perceive the people around us and the organizations to which we belong. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. Outcome: The Environment and Society, 223. During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. Read the full article here. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. Some examples of such universals include adorning ones body with ornaments, concepts of privacy, respect, and morality, etc. Reading: Conflict Perspective on Media and Technology, 242. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. 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. Legal. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. 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. 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. Ethnocentrism noun The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Putting It Together: Sociological Foundations, 34. Antonyms for ethnocentricity. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to one's own. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. An ethnocentric is concerned with how similar others' cultural practices, symbols, and beliefs are to their own. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. The idea was formulated by Franz Boas; however, the term was later introduced by the social theorist, Alan Locke in 1924. (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. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. 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. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Why It Matters: Social Movements, Media, and Technology, 225. [hidden-answer a=501221]. It's the belief that one's ethnic group is superior to another. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. 7. 5.5: Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Reading: Introduction to Race and Ethnicity, 107. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Culture and Society, 45. It is impossible for anyone to keep all cultural biases at bay; the best we can do is strive to be aware of them. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. Outcome: Theories of Racial Inequality, 110. North Americans keep more distance and maintain a large personal space. Even something as simple as eating and drinking varies greatly from culture to culture. One example is the romanticization of the noble savage in the 18th-century primitivism movement in European art, philosophy and ethnography. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. The belief that ones culture is inferior to another culture is called: 2. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Xenocentrism puts others before one's own nation, which means that the health and stability of one's own is thought of as less important. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. RT @VirgilWalkerOMA: "Many would contend that the struggle for social justice and the propagation of Christian nationalism share no similarities. It helps to remember that culture is learned. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. 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 her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. Reading: Theories of Self-Development, 61. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism, 39. 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. 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. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Ethnocentrism in social science and anthropologyas well as in colloquial English discoursemeans to apply one's own culture or ethnicity as a frame of reference to judge other cultures, practices, behaviors, beliefs, and people, instead of using the standards of the particular culture involved. Outcome: Media and Technology in Society, 238. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. 1. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. Some visitors may find this practice admirable, while others may think its inappropriate. Reading: Demography and Population Growth, 219. Other articles where ethnocentrism is discussed: race: The difference between racism and ethnocentrism: racism must be distinguished from ethnicity and ethnocentrism. Reading: Functionalist Theory on Education, 158. Cultural relativism is a view that a culture must be judged according to its own cultural standards. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. Read the full article here. Outcome: Health in the United States and Abroad, 173. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. It helps to remember that culture is learned. Another example would be the deforestation of the Amazon Basin as indigenous cultures lose land to timber corporations. . Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. Figure 1. Marias family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlins house. Distinctions are made between different cultures based on language, behavior, customs, traditions, religion, etc. Her imposing father kept his distance. The way individuals perceive other cultural practices can be broadly segregated into two types cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. 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. Outcome: Demography and Population Growth, 215. Cultural norms accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois 1951). People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. 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. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, 240. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies which can entail how they live, what they eat, rather than of one's own way of life. Why It Matters: Socialization and Interaction, 55. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that one's own culture is better than all others, and should therefore serve as the standard frame of reference. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Outcome: Challenges Facing the Elderly, 189. Reading: Symbolic Interactionism on Media and Technology, 243. Reading: Systems of Social Stratification, 87. Reading: Contemporary Issues in Education, 166. What issues or events might inform this? Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply.See Wiktionary Terms of Use for details. Cultural relativismis the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own ostensibly advanced cultural values on another culture. Reading: Introduction to Global Inequality, 93. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? 1. The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. 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. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. Cite this page as follows: "Compare and contrast ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. This is related to ethnocentrism because cultural interactions are increasing as the world gets smaller due to factors such as technology and cooperation between nations. Reading: Healthcare in the United States, 176. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Due to the extremist nature of both theories, anthropologists employ a strategy that is a sort of middle ground between these two viewpoints. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying ones own culture. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. 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. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.org. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance, 77. Xenocentrism noun A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. 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. Outcome: The Sociological Imagination, 11.