CULTURAL RELATIVISM

I. OVERVIEW

Moral values, judgment, behavior as well as moral dilemmas and how we perceive them are largely shaped and
influenced by history, power dynamics, and the religion of a society. The way we appreciate and assess things are
not created out of nothing or simply out of our imagination. They are conditioned by external and material elements
around us that, in turn, provide the basis for principles that orient our judgment and valuation of things. Combined
as one structure or phenomena, these external and material elements make up culture. In other words, culture is what
shapes and influences social and personal values, decisions, behavior and practice. Thus, to understand how culture
works and its features is to also grasp the reason why things are done in a particular way and why we do these things
the way we do them.

In our culture, the greatest sin is the claim to be right about anything. To avoid judging the cultural practices of
groups that are different to ours, we can use the cultural relativism approach.

In this module, you will know the definition of cultural relativism, advantages of recognizing the cultural differences
and the dangers of the position. As you work on this module, you have to answer several questions and activities to
test your understanding.

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, you are expected to:

1. Recognize and appreciate the differences in moral behavior of different cultures.
2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of cultural relativism

II. SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES

ANALYSIS
1. What can you say about the picture?
2. If you are offered the same food, how will you respond?

III. ACTIVITY/DISCUSSION/LESSON

DEFINITION OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Cultural relativism is the idea that a person's beliefs and practices
should be understood based on that person's own culture. Proponents of cultural relativism also tend to argue that
the norms and values of one culture should not be evaluated using the norms and values of another.

Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal.
Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context. For example,
instead of thinking, “Fried crickets are disgusting! ” one should instead ask, “Why do some cultures eat fried
insects?”. You may learn that fried crickets or grasshoppers are full of protein and in Mexico, it is famous Oaxaca
regional cuisine and have been eaten for thousands of years as a healthy food source!

Some people worry that the concept of culture can also be abused and misinterpreted. If one culture behaves one
way, does that mean all cultures can behave that way as well? For example, many countries and international
organizations oppose the act of whaling (the fishing of whales) for environmental reasons. These environmental
organizations say that there are not many whales left and such fishing practices should be stopped. However, other
countries argue that whaling is a cultural practice that has been around for thousands of years. Because it may be
part of a country’s oceanic culture, this country may say that such a cultural practice should not be opposed based
on cultural differences, say, by an inland country that does not understand. Who gets to define what a moral cultural
behavior is? Is whaling immoral? Another more extreme instance would be female genital cutting in some parts of
the world. Locally, it is argued that the practice has cultural roots, but such a practice has raised concerns among
many international human rights organizations.

Anthropologists say that when we think about different cultures and societies, we should think about their customs
in a way that helps us make sense of how their cultural practices fit within their overall cultural context.
For example, having several wives perhaps makes economic sense among herders who move around frequently.
Through such an understanding, polygamy makes cultural sense.

Cultural Relativism vs Cultural Perspective

However, what the cultural relativist fails to see is the difference between cultural perspective and cultural
relativism. A perspective is a standpoint or viewpoint of something. For instance, there are as many perspectives of
a building, a house, as there are standpoints. You try to appreciate the design of a house considering its various
perspective, but you never judge the design based on only one perspective. Trying to understand one’s culture,
having a perspective of one’s culture, is needed to understand people. But it does not follow that morality must be
based only on said culture:
….the problem with moving from cultural perspective to cultural relativism is the erosion of reason that it
causes. Rather than simply saying, “we need to understand the morals of other cultures,” it says, “we cannot judge
the morals of other cultures,” regardless of the reasons for their actions. There is no longer any perspective, and it
becomes literally impossible to argue that anything a culture does is right or wrong. If we hold on to strict cultural
relativism, it is not possible to say that human sacrifice is “wrong.” or that respect for the elderly is “right.” After
all, those are products of the culture. This takes any talk of morality right over the cliff, and into meaningless
gibberish. (Mckinnon, et al.,2015)
Likewise, logical analysis of cultural relativism yields contradictory implications:
Relativism in general breaks down when examined from a purely logical perspective. The basic premise is
that ―truth is relative. If every truth statement is valid, then the statement ―some truths are absolute must be valid.
The statement ―there are no absolute truths is accurate, according to relativism —but it is an absolute truth itself.
These contradict the very concept of relativism, meaning that absolute relativism is self-contradictory and
impossible.
Stated in another way:
Tolerance is certainly a virtue...If morality is simply relative to each culture, then if the culture does not
have a principle of tolerance, its members have no obligation to be tolerant...from a relativistic point of view, there
is no more reason to be tolerant than to be intolerant and neither stance is objectively morally better than the other.
If valid criticism supposes an objective or impartial standard, relativist cannot morally criticize anyone
outside their own culture. Adolf Hitler’s genocidal actions, so long as they are culturally accepted are as morally
legitimate as Mother Teresa’s works of mercy. If Conventional Relativism is accepted, racism, genocide of
unpopular minorities, oppression of the poor, slavery and even the advocacy of war for its own sake are as equally
moral as their opposites. And if a subculture decided that starting a nuclear was somehow morally acceptable, we
could not morally criticize these people. (MacKinnon, et al., 2015)

APPLICATION
1. Is cultural perspective the same as cultural relativism? Why or why not?
2. Illustrate with an example of cultural perspective and cultural relativism.

Ethnocentrism is the evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standard and
customs of one’s own culture.
Is ethnocentrism bad or good? On the one hand,
ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgments of the
behaviors of groups or societies. It can also lead to
discrimination against people who are different. For
example, in many countries, religious minorities
(religions that are not the dominant religion) often face
discrimination. But on the other hand, ethnocentrism can
create loyalty among the same social group or people in
the same society. For example, during he Olympics you
may tend to root for your own country and believe that
the players or tam representing your country are much
better. National pride is also part of ethnocentrism.

Cultural Relativism Advantages and Disadvantages

People change. Cultures change. Humanity is constantly evolving, developing, and adapting. When cultural
relativism is implemented, then the ability to evolve and adapt is encouraged because the definitions of ethical and
moral “right” and “wrong” can change as people change. Cultural relativism eliminates the rigidity that societies
have in place regarding ethics, conduct, and reasoning.
It also means that there are no actual definitions that are in place for a society. Cultural relativism promotes an
individualistic perspective which governs how a person acts, thinks, and responds. Each person can set their own
moralistic codes which they follow.

Originally proposed by Franz Boas in 1887, it is an idea that has never been implemented on a large scale. Moral
standards make sense in a person’s culture. By creating individualized cultures, on singular or larger scales, it does
become easier to keep and embrace the traditions that humanity has developed over the millennia.

Advantages of Cultural Relativism

1. It is a system which promotes cooperation.

For the most part, humanity is strong because of the differences we all have. Every individual has a different
perspective that is based on their upbringing, experiences, and personal thoughts. By embracing the many
differences we have, the cooperation creates the potential for a stronger society. Each individual definition of
success allows us to pursue stronger bonds with one another and potentially achieve more because there are no
limitations from a group level and what can or cannot be accomplished.

2. It creates a society where equality is possible.

In any society, people rise by climbing on top of other people. It is a socially acceptable way of creating
discrimination. We see this today in the wage gap that women face, the educational opportunities that minority
groups face, and the violence we see because of political oppression. Cultural relativism allows the individual to
define their moral code without defining the moral code of others. Each person is separate in such a society. That
separation creates equality because each person can set their own definition of success.

3. People can pursue a genuine interest.

In the modern society, people are funneled toward certain career options because of their circumstances. If you
can’t afford to go to college, then you pursue a vocational career or some sort of entrepreneurship instead of a career
that requires a graduate degree. If you can’t afford to buy a house, you go rent an apartment. In cultural relativism,
you get to pursue your own interests without restriction. You set the definitions of what you can have and what you
cannot have. When implemented successfully, each person would get to focus on their strengths instead of their
weaknesses.

4. Respect is encouraged in a system of cultural relativism.

People come from different cultures. They have different ideas. They pursue different definitions of success.
Because such a system promotes the individual’s definition instead of a group definition, a society can evolve
because there is a natural level of respect built into the process. Each person is naturally given the right to pursue
life through their own specific perspective and then learn from their experiences in a way that works best for them.

5. It preserves human cultures.

Humanity is a very diverse set of thoughts, traditions, ideas, and practices. Many times, the traditions of humanity
are set aside so that a group set of standards can be appeased. Native and First Nations tribes in North America did
this by signing treaties which would help them to preserve some lands but limit their rights by being subject to a
new governmental authority. They were forced to trade some of their culture. Under the theory of cultural relativism,
such a trade would not be necessary. It wouldn’t even be a consideration.

6. Cultural relativism creates a society without judgment.

We are so trained to judge others in today’s world that we don’t even give it a second thought. Looking at someone
and saying, “Glad that isn’t me,” is a judgment. Under the theory of cultural relativism, judgment goes away. The
only person that judges you is yourself. People who might disagree with you are able to set their own codes and
standards for their own individualistic bubble. Instead of worrying about others, you only worry about yourself.

7. Moral relativism can be excluded from cultural relativism.

Each culture can be treated as an individual under the theory of cultural relativism. This means the moral codes of
a culture can be defined and an expectation implemented that people follow it. Although other cultures may not
setup such a restriction, and others might say such a restriction isn’t a true form of cultural relativism, people in
such a system can do what makes the most sense for them. You’re focusing on the customs of a culture, not the
morality that is imposed upon those customs.

8. We can create personal moral codes based on societal standards with ease.

To determine if a decision would be “right” or “wrong,” cultural relativism allows individuals to consult with the
standards of their society or culture. It is a simple test to determine the course that a person should take in such a
circumstance. By consulting with the moral code of the culture, one question must be asked: does the action conform
to the cultural moral code? If it does, then the action is permitted. Although this process can allow for disturbing
results, most cultures are based on inclusion instead of exclusion. It is only in structures where apartheid,
segregation, or purging where disturbing outcomes are typically present.
9. It stops cultural conditioning.

People tend to adapt their attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs to the people they are with on a regular basis. This is
cultural conditioning and it prevents people from having an individualistic perspective. Cultural relativism stops
this.

Disadvantages of Cultural Relativism

1. It creates a system that is fueled by personal bias.

Every society has a certain natural bias to it because of how humanity operates. People tend to prefer to be with
others who have similar thoughts and feelings, so they segregate themselves into neighborhoods, communities, and
social groups that share specific perspectives. When people are given the power to define their own moral code,
then they will do so based on their own personal bias. There is no longer a group perspective. People follow their
own code at the expense of others.

2. It would create chaos.

People who can follow their own moral code because there is no “wrong” or “right” would be allowed to pursue
any life they preferred under the theory of cultural relativism. If you’re upset with your neighbor, then you can kill
that person without consequence if your moral code allows for murder. Instead of purchasing something, you could
steal it if you see stealing as “right” to do. There is no real way to protect people in such a society, so each person
becomes responsible to protect themselves. It creates a system that is Darwinian in practicality, where only the
strongest can survive.

3. It is an idea that is based on the perfection of humanity.

Many people strive to do good every day. Most want to see everyone have the chance to pursue happiness in some
way. That is why the idea of cultural relativism often seems to be inviting. The only problem is that people are not
perfect. We can be forgetful. We can lie. We can become aggressive when a driver cuts you off while driving and
puts your family at risk. Without a group moral code in place to govern decisions, anything could happen when we
experience these moments of imperfection.

4. It could promote a lack of diversity.

Cultural relativism promotes an individualistic point of view, so although it seems to promote diversity, it actually
removes it from a society. Cultural relativism would allow slavery to return to the US South. It would allow men to
exclude women from voting once again. It would stop employers from paying someone a fair wage – or even paying
them a wage at all. The only standards that are in place are those which are set by the individual involved, which
means everyone is pursuing their own position of strength. We cannot create diversity when the emphasis of a
society is individualistic gain that can come at the expense of others.

5. It draws people away from one another.

Although cultural relativism can promote people coming together to share their strengths, it can also encourage
people to draw apart from one another. C.S. Lewis, in his description of Hell from The Screwtape Letters, envisions
a place where people are constantly going away from each other to avoid the demons that each person has. Because
each person is uncertain of what codes and standards another is following, the natural inclination for self-
preservation causes people to draw away. You might develop a close-knit community at first, but as Lewis describes,
each demon causes people to back away from one another instead of coming closer.
6. It could limit moral progress.

When we look at the idea of moral progress, we think of becoming more inclusionary instead of exclusionary. This
inclusion is reflected in the laws and customs of the culture. The current debate on the transgender bathroom laws
in North Carolina and Texas is a good example of this. In cultural relativism, everyone would be able to use their
bathroom of choice OR a culture could state that everyone must use a specific bathroom without exception and
there would be complete agreement in either choice. Within the society, either choice would be seen as moral
progress, but in reality, it could hold people back.

7. It could limit humanity’s progress.

We often think of the concept of cultural relativism as progression, but it isn’t necessarily that way. When you
remove the ability to judge one standard from another, then the comparative process of placing a current society or
culture against a past one is removed as well. No definition of success can be implemented because each is
successful in its own way. We might consider the ability for women to vote as the “right” thing to do today, but in
past societies, not allowing women to vote was also “right” from a cultural standpoint. Because both are “right,”
there’s no way to judge progress.

8. Cultural relativism can turn perceptions into truths.

It’s a dark night and it is warm outside. An African-American teen is walking down an alley wearing a hoodie and
the hood is up. His hands are jammed into his pockets and there is a bulge in one of them. In this scenario, some
people may automatically assume that the teen is up to “no good.” The bulge might even be a weapon under that
assumption. In the world of cultural relativism, that bias becomes a truth that can be acted upon. It doesn’t matter
if the bulge is a gun or a package of Skittles. The decision to act becomes a righteous one because of the individual
truth that the culture allowed through the bias it perpetrates.

Important Facts About Cultural Relativism

The idea that a person’s culture shapes their morals and beliefs has been studied for over a century.
Bernard Williams is one of the most renowned research into the topic of cultural relativity.
One of the biggest examples of cultural relativism is the treatment of women in Middle Eastern countries, compared
to the treatment of women in Western Countries.
Another great example of this theory is that children in America are raised to believe that dogs are pets, while in
other countries, such as China, dogs are considered a source of food.
This theory is most debated through the religious world because religious sects believe that their set of morals is
the only correct ones.

The Dangers of Relativism

First, relativism encourages immorality. After all, if there are no absolute truths, then why shouldn’t all sexual
activity be permitted? Who is to say that raping a child is wrong? You might respond that a society constructs its
beliefs about truth, and our society has determined that forcing a child to have sex is wrong. Well, that may be true
right now, but if there are no absolute truths, why couldn’t society change its opinion about pedophilia? It was only
about 40 years ago that the American Psychological Association labeled homosexuality as a psychological
aberration. What if 40 years from now we change our attitude about sex with children? What if people say, “We
have discovered that pedophiles don’t choose to be pedophiles; they are born that way. Why should pedophiles live
in shame and hide their sexuality? Why shouldn’t pedophiles be free to express themselves and enjoy happiness
like everyone else?” You might think that is preposterous. But in a world where there are no absolutes, anything is
permissible.

Second, relativism discourages evangelism. I was watching a popular talk show and the topic was, “Is there only
one way to heaven?” The crowd insisted that it was narrow-minded and bigoted to say there is only one way to
heaven. Then one lady raised her hand and said, “My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, says that He is the way, and
the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Him. He is the only way to heaven.” And the talk
show host, in a condescending tone, said, “If you believe that, that’s fine. But you have no right to coerce me to
believe like you believe.” The implication was that when you voice an absolute statement, you are coercing other
people. In other words, it is hate speech to imply that truth is narrow and there is only one application.

Lastly, relativism promotes persecution. In a society that rejects absolute truth, the only vice that cannot be
tolerated is intolerance. The greatest virtue today is tolerance—being open to every belief. That’s why when you
claim that Jesus is the only way to be saved, or homosexuality is a perversion, you are met with such opposition.
The relativist says you are implying that a Hindu or a homosexual is inferior and that is hate speech; therefore, your
speech must be silenced. Yet as Christians, we must not be silent when it comes to sharing God’s truth.

IV. SUMMARY/ KEY POINTS

 Cultural relativism is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values and practices should be understood based on that
person’s own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another.

Morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the
moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be
morally wrong in another.

The danger of cultural relativism is the idea of relativism itself. Whether an action is right or wrong depends
on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. What is good depends on what society’s culture
considers as good. What is bad likewise depends on what society’s culture considers as bad.

There is a difference between cultural perspective and cultural relativism. To have a cultural perspective is to
understand people’s beliefs, values, and practices in the context of their culture. Having a perspective of one’s
culture, is needed to understand people. But it does not follow that morality must be based on said culture.

V. END OF MODULE ASSESSMENT

I. Enumeration.
List down five and briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cultural relativism.

Advantages of Cultural Relativism Disadvantages of Cultural Relativism

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

II. Essay.
In your own words and understanding, what is cultural relativism? Cite an example and discuss briefly
in NOT more than five (5) sentences.
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VI. LOOKING AHEAD

In your own understanding, describe what the picture depicts? Is it considered a cultural relativism in the
Philippines? Why or why not? Write in paragraph form of NO less than 5 sentences.

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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VI. SELF AND MODULE EVALUATION

How was your experience while accomplishing this week’s module? Rate your level of understanding and the
effectiveness of this module’s design in facilitating your learnings.

proceeds from th
e deliberate free man

VII. REFERENCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_relativism
Cultural relativism: definition & examples (article) | Khan Academy
https://ptv.org/devotional/the-dangers-of-relativism/
Ruben A. Corpuz and Brenda B. Corpus (2020). Ethics. Philippines: Lorimar Publishing Inc. page 35-41