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Ethnocentrism Essay

Author Kimberly Ball
Category General Essays

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Introduction

Ethnocentrism is the judging of another culture according to the qualities and benchmarks of this culture’s lifestyle. Ethnocentric individuals judge various social events regarding their specific ethnic alliance or culture, especially with stress for vernacular, lead, conventions, and religion. These racial capabilities and subdivisions serve to describe each ethnicity’s exceptional social identity. Dissecting and evaluating different phases of ethnocentrism is basic in keeping up and making a robust and productive environment. Creating systems to attract and help an individual is critical to a leader’s accomplishment in this multicultural age. Therefore the theme of this article will look to illustrate and explain the ethnocentric stages of denial and minimization of cultural differences and outline strategies that a leader in this multicultural age can use to transform the individual into a more culturally competent individual or group.

Denial is a naive ethnocentric stage in which there is foreswearing that social contrasts even exist. A man in the Denial Stage has a couple of classifications to see differences. People at this stage are not debilitated by social disparities since they decline to acknowledge them. They are ethnocentric through and through in that they accept there is a right sort of living (theirs), and that the individuals who act contrastingly mainly don’t have the foggiest idea about any better. Likewise, a man in this stage may credit subhuman characteristics to those from various societies and respect them with extraordinary partiality. In this stage, individuals incline to force their esteem framework upon others, trusting that they are “correct” and that other people who are diverse are “befuddled.” In general, the individuals who encounter social disavowal have not had extensive contact with individuals not the same as themselves, and along these lines have no experiential reason for having confidence in different societies. A vital pointer of the foreswearing stage is the conviction that your knowledge is superior to local people.

Minimization

This stages includes acknowledgment of social contrasts BUT minimizing their significance in our lives. Individuals in the Minimization Stage trust that social distinctions are merely shallow; the fundamental characteristics of being human will get the job done. Social contrasts debilitate them, and they endeavor to limit them by revealing to themselves that individuals are more comparable than divergent. Never again do they see those from varying social orders as being confused, inferior, or terrible. Despite everything, they have not made social care and are unyielding about living together in harmony with everybody. Western estimations of distinction, transparency, and trustworthiness add to this view. Once in a while, people with abroad experience discover an asylum in this stage – it empowers them to keep up a vital separation from sentiments of inadequacy notwithstanding numerous social questions. Since they accept that all societies are inherently comparative, people in this stage disregard the tailoring of their approach to successfully manage a social setting. Moving into the following phase of acceptance speaks to “a noteworthy theoretical move,” from an ethnocentric position that depends on straightforward standards (i.e., either/or) to an ethnorelative stage where answers are not all that unmistakable.

For a leader to make and keep up a thriving environment that is strong and functional, one needs to create systems and schemes to neutralize the difficulties or different phases of ethnocentrism. These procedures that will change a person into an all the more socially skilled individual and empower them to incorporate into a workplace flawlessly will be imperative for a leader’s achievement in this multicultural age.Bearing in mind that the employment of different strategies depends on the ethnocentric stage at which an individual is, a leader should be careful to understand the needs of specific individuals and correctly meet them.

For a person at the Denial Ethnocentric stage, the utilization of non-threatening social mindfulness exercises such as ethnic luncheons, entertainment by social groups, travelogues, chats on history, exhibits is suitable. The approach is commonly known as “Objective Culture Approach” which centers around the social manifestations of diverse persons. The reason for existing is to enable individuals to start to perceive contrasts. It, as a rule, constructs nature with “legends and occasions,” may include “ethnic” sustenance in the eatery or restaurant, and frequently has a devoted month featuring the commitments of subordinate gatherings. Craftsmanship shows, ensembles, shows, teachers, and pamphlet articles all join to expand the profile of different ethnic groups. By and large, this type of varying variety work is available to all, albeit regularly it isn’t obligatory. The perception of strife it that it is solvable through inclusivity.

There is a compulsion to be pretentious of such endeavors as not having any essential esteem. Be that as it may, this sort of action has its place. For those in the Ethnocentric Denial stage, where the social distinction is “out of the picture, therefore irrelevant” and administered by the decree “don’t ask, don’t tell,” such endeavors can bring society into cognizance. However, because commonality with social manifestations does not in itself improve intercultural capability, the reasonable restrictions of this style of advancement are apparent: the endeavor is decent, yet not adequate. The protection from this sort of exertion is more or less moderate, as it hardly challenges perspective or personality. Be that as it may, protection may happen from nondominant assemble individuals, who secretly lambast such endeavors as short of what expectations. However, if dealt with consciously, the Objective culture approach exercises can add to expanded consciousness of other ethnic gatherings and the part they have played to the organization and society as a whole.

According to Deane (p.1), for those in the minimization stage of Ethnocentrism, taking care of this move appears to be ideal. Utilize recreation works out, individual stories, “agents” from different societies carefully selected to demonstrate how to decipher conduct unexpectedly. Recognize the distress individuals may feel amid this move for it is ordinary. The concentration of this stage features the significance of decent variety, builds members’ recognition with what assorted variety incorporates, proposes a couple of issues that may influence the work environment, and exhibits a business case to back up the activity. All employees are subject to this approach, and any contravening is portrays a picture of one who is not on board with the workings of an organization.

The approach is agreeable and fascinating to those people who are in the minimization phase. It invokes the feeling of “small world” theory and more often than not acknowledges the variety cause, given the activity isn’t excessively requesting of progress inside the association. More prominent requests may drive those at minimization to relapse to the Ethnocentric stage of Defense, influencing them to ponder about “exceptional right” and “out of line inclination” against the majority. Be that as it may, for those as of now in protection, even this approach may push them past their status. Obviously, this does not mean wiping out the program; instead, it proposes we should be set up for the protection. Individuals from nondominant bunches see this sort of work as precisely what is not required yet are frequently ready to see it at an initial step especially for those in the later phases of ethnic personality advancement.

In conclusion, there are different stages in the ethnocentrism some of which include Denial and Minimization. They are challenges experienced in different societies at different levels. For a leader in this to enjoy success in this multicultural age he/she needs to have a pragmatical look at these challenges and come up with strategies such as have been pointed out above. The solutions offered will is foster unity in an organization amongst the peers, ensure that there is a favorable working environment and contribute to the success of a leader heading the organization. Above all, it creates a situation where there is no racial discrimination or prejudice based on one’s ethnic affiliation.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Cultural Diversity — Ethnocentrism Analysis

Ethnocentrism Analysis

Categories: Cultural Diversity

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 597 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

The natural human inclination, illustrating ethnocentrism analysis, appreciating cultural diversity.

Ethnocentrism analysis allows us to appreciate the diversity and richness of human cultures. It challenges us to recognize that there is no universal standard for progress, beauty, or morality. Instead, these concepts are shaped by our cultural backgrounds and experiences. By embracing ethnocentrism analysis, we can develop a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the world, free from the limitations of our own cultural biases. Engaging in Intercultural Communication One way to engage in ethnocentrism analysis is through intercultural communication. By actively engaging with individuals from different cultures, we can challenge our assumptions and broaden our perspectives. This can be done through travel, language exchange programs, or even through online platforms that connect people from around the world. By actively seeking to understand and appreciate different cultures, we can overcome ethnocentrism and foster a more inclusive global society.Recognizing Power Dynamics Another important aspect of ethnocentrism analysis is the recognition of power dynamics. Ethnocentrism often goes hand in hand with cultural imperialism, where one culture seeks to impose its values and practices onto others. This can have harmful consequences, leading to the erasure of indigenous cultures, the suppression of marginalized voices, and the perpetuation of inequality. By critically examining our own cultural biases, we can work towards dismantling these power structures and promoting cultural diversity and equality.The Role of MediaEthnocentrism analysis also sheds light on the role of media in shaping our perceptions of other cultures. Media representations often reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate cultural biases. For example, Western media has a long history of exoticizing and dehumanizing non-Western cultures, perpetuating a narrative of "us" versus "them." By being aware of these biases, we can become more critical consumers of media and actively seek out diverse and authentic representations of different cultures. In ConclusionEthnocentrism analysis is an essential tool for understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. By critically examining our own cultural biases, engaging in intercultural communication, recognizing power dynamics, and challenging media representations, we can overcome ethnocentrism and foster a more inclusive and equitable global society. Let us embrace the richness of human cultures and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.
Engaging in Intercultural Communication

Recognizing Power Dynamics

The role of media.

Ethnocentrism analysis also sheds light on the role of media in shaping our perceptions of other cultures. Media representations often reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate cultural biases. For example, Western media has a long history of exoticizing and dehumanizing non-Western cultures, perpetuating a narrative of "us" versus "them." By being aware of these biases, we can become more critical consumers of media and actively seek out diverse and authentic representations of different cultures. In ConclusionEthnocentrism analysis is an essential tool for understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. By critically examining our own cultural biases, engaging in intercultural communication, recognizing power dynamics, and challenging media representations, we can overcome ethnocentrism and foster a more inclusive and equitable global society. Let us embrace the richness of human cultures and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.
In Conclusion

Ethnocentrism analysis is an essential tool for understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. By critically examining our own cultural biases, engaging in intercultural communication, recognizing power dynamics, and challenging media representations, we can overcome ethnocentrism and foster a more inclusive and equitable global society. Let us embrace the richness of human cultures and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.

Ethnocentrism analysis allows us to appreciate the diversity and richness of human cultures. it challenges us to recognize that there is no universal standard for progress, beauty, or morality. instead, these concepts are shaped by our cultural backgrounds and experiences. by embracing ethnocentrism analysis , we can develop a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the world, free from the limitations of our own cultural biases. engaging in intercultural communication, ethnocentrism analysis also sheds light on the role of media in shaping our perceptions of other cultures. media representations often reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate cultural biases. for example, western media has a long history of exoticizing and dehumanizing non-western cultures, perpetuating a narrative of "us" versus "them." by being aware of these biases, we can become more critical consumers of media and actively seek out diverse and authentic representations of different cultures. in conclusion.

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101 Ethnocentrism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Ethnocentrism is a term that refers to the belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, often leading to a negative bias against other groups. This mindset can be seen in various aspects of society, including politics, education, and media. In order to better understand this phenomenon, many students are tasked with writing essays on ethnocentrism. If you're struggling to come up with a topic for your essay, fear not! Here are 101 ethnocentrism essay topic ideas and examples to help get you started.

The role of ethnocentrism in shaping stereotypes
How ethnocentrism influences international relations
Ethnocentrism in the media: a case study of racial bias in news coverage
The impact of ethnocentrism on immigration policies
Ethnocentrism in the workplace: how bias affects hiring and promotion decisions
The roots of ethnocentrism: exploring the psychological factors behind prejudice
Ethnocentrism in education: how cultural bias affects curriculum and teaching methods
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping national identity
Ethnocentrism and colonialism: a historical analysis
Ethnocentrism in the digital age: how social media reinforces bias
The effects of ethnocentrism on mental health and well-being
Ethnocentrism in healthcare: how bias affects patient care
The connection between ethnocentrism and xenophobia
Ethnocentrism in the criminal justice system: a case study of racial profiling
The impact of ethnocentrism on economic inequality
Ethnocentrism in the arts: how bias influences artistic representation
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping political ideologies
Ethnocentrism and globalization: how bias affects cross-cultural interactions
The effects of ethnocentrism on social cohesion and community relations
Ethnocentrism in the legal system: a case study of discrimination in the courtroom
The relationship between ethnocentrism and nationalism
Ethnocentrism in sports: how bias affects athlete recruitment and representation
The impact of ethnocentrism on language preservation and revitalization efforts
Ethnocentrism in religious communities: how bias affects interfaith relations
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping beauty standards
Ethnocentrism and environmental racism: a case study of pollution in marginalized communities
The effects of ethnocentrism on cultural appropriation and misrepresentation
Ethnocentrism in the fashion industry: how bias affects trends and marketing strategies
The impact of ethnocentrism on mental health disparities
Ethnocentrism in literature: how bias affects the portrayal of diverse characters
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping housing segregation
Ethnocentrism and social media activism: how bias affects online movements
The effects of ethnocentrism on educational achievement gaps
Ethnocentrism in the healthcare industry: a case study of bias in medical research
The impact of ethnocentrism on access to resources and opportunities
Ethnocentrism in the music industry: how bias affects representation and recognition
The relationship between ethnocentrism and cultural appropriation
Ethnocentrism in the criminal justice system: a case study of bias in sentencing
The effects of ethnocentrism on mental health stigma
Ethnocentrism in the workplace: how bias affects workplace dynamics and team cohesion
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping political discourse and policy
Ethnocentrism and social media: how bias affects online communities and interactions
The impact of ethnocentrism on mental health disparities in marginalized communities
Ethnocentrism in the fashion industry: a case study of bias in sizing and representation
The effects of ethnocentrism on educational attainment and success
Ethnocentrism in the healthcare industry: how bias affects patient care and treatment options
The relationship between ethnocentrism and cultural assimilation
Ethnocentrism in the music industry: a case study of bias in award nominations and recognition
The role of ethnocentrism in shaping immigration policies and practices
Ethnocentrism and social media activism: how bias affects online advocacy and awareness campaigns
The impact of ethnocentrism on mental health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities
Ethnocentrism in the workplace: a case study of bias in hiring and promotion decisions
The effects of ethnocentrism on educational disparities in low-income communities
Ethnocentrism in the criminal justice system: how bias

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Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one’s own culture. 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. Some people will simply call it cultural ignorance.

Ethnocentrism often leads to incorrect assumptions about others’ behavior based on your own norms, values, and beliefs. In extreme cases, a group of individuals may see another culture as wrong or immoral and because of this may try to convert, sometimes forcibly, the group to their own ways of living. War and genocide could be the devastating result if a group is unwilling to change their ways of living or cultural practices.

Ethnocentrism may not, in some circumstances, be avoidable. We often have involuntary reactions toward another person or culture’s practices or beliefs but these reactions do not have to result in horrible events such as genocide or war. In order to avoid conflict over culture practices and beliefs, we must all try to be more culturally relative.

Two young men walking and holding hands.

Cultural relativism is the principle of regarding and valuing the practices of a culture from the point of view of that culture and to avoid making hasty judgments. Cultural relativism tries to counter ethnocentrism by promoting the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures such as eating insects, genocides or genital cutting. Take for example, the common practice of same-sex friends in India walking in public while holding hands. This is a common behavior and a sign of connectedness between two people. In England, by contrast, holding hands is largely limited to romantically involved couples, and often suggests a sexual relationship. These are simply two different ways of understanding the meaning of holding hands. Someone who does not take a relativistic view might be tempted to see their own understanding of this behavior as superior and, perhaps, the foreign practice as being immoral.

D espite the fact that cultural relativism promotes the appreciation for cultural differences, it can also be problematic. At its most extreme, cultural relativism leaves no room for criticism of other cultures, even if certain cultural practices are horrific or harmful. Many practices have drawn criticism over the years. In Madagascar, for example, the famahidana funeral tradition includes bringing bodies out from tombs once every seven years, wrapping them in cloth, and dancing with them. Some people view this practice disrespectful to the body of the deceased person. Today, a debate rages about the ritual cutting of genitals of girls in several Middle Eastern and African cultures. To a lesser extent, this same debate arises around the circumcision of baby boys in Western hospitals. When considering harmful cultural traditions, it can be patronizing to use cultural relativism as an excuse for avoiding debate. To assume that people from other cultures are neither mature enough nor responsible enough to consider criticism from the outside is demeaning.

The concept of cross-cultural relationship is the idea that people from different cultures can have relationships that acknowledge, respect and begin to understand each other’s diverse lives. People with different backgrounds can help each other see possibilities that they never thought were there because of limitations, or cultural proscriptions, posed by their own traditions. Becoming aware of these new possibilities will ultimately change the people who are exposed to the new ideas. This cross-cultural relationship provides hope that new opportunities will be discovered, but at the same time it is threatening. The threat is that once the relationship occurs, one can no longer claim that any single culture is the absolute truth.

Culture and Psychology Copyright © 2020 by L D Worthy; T Lavigne; and F Romero is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Ethnocentrism In Psychology: Examples, Disadvantages, & Cultural Relativism

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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Ethnocentrism in psychology refers to the tendency to view one’s own cultural or ethnic group as superior and to judge other groups based on the values and standards of one’s group. It is the belief that one’s own culture is correct and superior compared to other cultures.

In essence, ethnocentrism leads individuals to use their own ethnic group and its standards to interpret and evaluate other groups, often in a negative manner.

Those who are ethnocentric assume their cultural norms are the ideal that other cultures should be measured against or aspire to.

For example, someone who is ethnocentric might believe their traditional cuisine or clothing is the proper way, and that other cultural practices are inferior or strange in comparison.

Or they may think their language should be the default spoken, rather than needing to accommodate other languages.

Ethnocentrism occurs when one believes that their own cultural group is superior to others.

Explanation

Individuals who are ethnocentric will believe that their culture’s beliefs, ideas, values, and practices are correct, and they use the standards in their own culture to assess other cultural groups.

They will tend to have negative attitudes toward other cultures and believe their beliefs, ideas, values, and practices are wrong or strange.

A popular example of ethnocentrism is to think of the utensils different cultures prefer to use. Some cultures prefer to use forks, spoons, and knives to eat and may believe that it is weird or incorrect that some cultures traditionally use chopsticks to eat.

Ethnocentrism can occur for anyone across most cultures and societies and is not limited to one culture.

It is thought to occur largely because people have the greatest understanding of their own culture, leading them to believe that the norms and standards of their own culture are universally adopted.

So, if they notice anything that deviates from their cultural norms, this can lead to ethnocentric attitudes.

Some researchers believe that ethnocentrism comprises in-group favoritism and vilification of out-groups; thus, people have a high opinion of their own group and think negatively about out-groups.

How does ethnocentrism relate to psychology?

The predominant view in psychology has been white males, mainly from the USA.

It means psychologists ignore views, values, language, or culture from elsewhere.

For example, views about the signs and symptoms of mental disorders in the DSM are based on white male experiences, so other experiences are ignored.

Views about appropriate patterns of child rearing are based on the practices shared in white, English-speaking cultures and other ways devalued.

In psychology, ethnocentrism can exist when researchers design studies or draw conclusions that can only be applied to one cultural group.

Ethnocentrism occurs when a researcher assumes that their own culturally specific practices or ideas are ‘natural’ or ‘right.’

The individual uses their own ethnic group to evaluate and judge other individuals from other ethnic groups. Research that is ‘centered’ around one cultural group is called ‘ethnocentric.’

When other cultures are observed to differ from the researcher’s own, they may be regarded negatively, e.g., ‘primitive,’ ‘degenerate,’ ‘unsophisticated,’ ‘undeveloped,’ etc.

This becomes racism when other cultures are denigrated, or their traditions are regarded as irrelevant etc.

Ethnocentrism in psychology can reduce the generalisability of findings since the researchers may not have accounted for cultural diversity.

What are the disadvantages of ethnocentrism?

While it is not necessarily bad to believe your culture is good or to be patriotic, ethnocentrism is the belief that your culture is superior, which can come with downfalls.

Ethnocentrism can lead to people being more close-minded to how other people live, almost as if they are living in a bubble of their own culture. This can reinforce the in-group/out-group mentality.

Believing that one’s own culture is correct can spread misinformation about other cultures, leading to negative consequences.

If a group upholds the belief that other groups are inferior to them, this could result in groups discriminating against each other. On an extreme scale, ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice or racism.

Upholding the sanctity of one’s own culture may hinder societal progress and may prevent cooperation between cultures.

Cultural groups may be less likely to help each other in times of need and may only seek to preserve the people in their own group whom they consider more important.

Specifically, ethnocentrism in research could result in negative consequences if the materials used for research are produced with one culture in mind.

An example of this is when the United States Army used IQ tests on individuals before World War I, which was biased towards white American ideas of intelligence.

Because of this, Europeans had lower scores of intelligence, and African Americans were at the bottom of the IQ scale.

This had a negative effect on the attitudes of white Americans towards these other groups of people, specifically that they were not as intelligent as them.

When research does not consider ethnocentrism, this can reinforce pre-existing discrimination and prevent other cultures from having equal opportunities.

Ethnocentrism examples

Ethnocentrism in samples.

Some of the most famous psychological studies (such as Milgram’s, Asch’s , and Zimbardo’s) used only white American males in their samples.

Conclusions were drawn from the results that the results would be the same across all cultures. However, the results were different when these studies were replicated on other groups of people.

As these studies were conducted a long time ago, you may expect that psychological research is more culturally diverse now.

However, psychology still has a long way to go to be truly representative of all cultures. There is still a strong Western bias, with one analysis finding that 90% of participants in research are drawn from Western countries, with 60% of these participants being American (Thalmayer et al., 2021).

They go on to say that only about 11% of the world’s population is represented in the top psychology journals and that 89% of the population is neglected.

The Strange Situation

Ainsworth’s classic study of The Strange Situation (1970) is an example of ethnocentric research. This study was developed to assess the attachment types of infants – the sample in this study used all American infants.

Many researchers assumed this study has the same meaning for infants from other cultures as it did for American children. However, the results from other cultures were very different.

Most noteworthy are the differences observed in Japanese and German infants compared to American infants.

While the American ideal standard for attachment is ‘secure attachment,’ many Japanese infants displayed behaviors that would be considered ‘insecure-resistant attachment’ whilst many of the German infants displayed what would be considered ‘insecure-avoidant attachment.’

The different results from other cultures were presented as ‘abnormal’ and in need of explanation rather than considering that the differences are due to cultural differences in how children are raised.

It does not mean that German mothers are more insensitive or that Japanese mothers are too clingy to their children just because their infants react differently to American children.

The methods used in The Strange Situation are examples of imposed etic, meaning to study a culture from the outside and make inferences in relation to one culture’s standard.

More valid results could be obtained through the use of an emic study, meaning studying culture from the inside.

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Bias

Cultural bias in psychology is when research is conducted in one culture, and the findings are generalized to other cultures or are accepted as universally applicable.

Ainsworth’s research is culturally biased since standards were set regarding what securely attached means based on an American-only sample.

This theory was then generalized to other cultures so that what was considered the behavior of securely attached children in America should be what all children in other cultures should behave to be considered securely attached.

The parenting styles and behavior of their infants in cultures outside of America being seen as abnormal because it doesn’t fit the American norms is what relates cultural bias to ethnocentrism.

Another example of cultural bias relates to the designs of standardized tests such as intelligence tests. Intelligence tests that are designed by Western researchers reflect the idea of what the West considers as being intelligent.

However, Western cultures may have a different idea of what qualifies as intelligence compared to other cultures.

Thus, when using Western-designed intelligence tests in non-western countries, there is likely to be a bias in the results since the test measures something from the benchmark of different cultural experiences.

This can lead to ethnocentrism if those outside of the West score significantly lower on intelligence scores, leading to the West having the misconception that non-Western countries are less intelligent.

There are two types of cultural bias that can relate to psychological research:

Alpha bias – this occurs when a theory assumes that cultural groups are profoundly different. Since their differences are exaggerated, the cultural norms and values of the researchers are considered superior to other cultures.

Beta bias – this occurs when real cultural differences are ignored or minimized. All people are assumed to be the same, resulting in research that is universally applied to all cultures.

What is Cross-Cultural Psychology?

Cross-cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that examines how cultural factors influence human behavior.

The goal is to look at both universal and unique behaviors to establish the ways in which culture has an influence on behavior, relationships, education, etc.

After focusing on North American and European research for many years, Western researchers began to question whether many of the observations and ideas that were considered to be universal actually apply to other cultures outside of the sample that was studied.

Many cross-cultural psychologists have found that many observations about human thought and behavior may only be generalizable to specific groups.

An emic approach, which looks within cultures to identify behaviors that are specific to that culture, is usually the most appropriate approach to studying cross-culturally.

With the emic approach, researchers can immerse themselves fully into a culture and develop a deep understanding of their practices and values.

From this, they can develop research procedures and interpret the findings with that culture in mind. These procedures would then not be used across other cultures where they may yield invalid results.

What topics can be studied in cross-cultural psychology?

Cross-cultural psychology can explore many topics, such as:

Child development – whether unique cultural practices influence development.

Emotions – do all people experience emotions the same way? Is emotional expression universal?

Language – whether the acquisition of language and its development is similar or different between cultures?

Relationships – the differences in family, romantic relationships, and friendships that are influenced by culture.

Personality – the degree to which aspects of personality might be influenced by or linked with cultural influences.

Social behavior – understanding how cultural norms and expectations have an effect on social behavior.

What are the benefits of cross-cultural psychology?

By understanding what could have been cultural bias, researchers have increased their understanding of the impact of culture, cultural differences, and culture-specific behaviors.

This has had benefits when it comes to diagnosing mental illness, for example. Previously, some culture-specific behaviors were often misdiagnosed as a symptom of a disorder.

Recent issues of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) now include a list of culture-specific behaviors that help diagnose mental health issues accurately.

Modern researchers are now able to travel a lot more than they would have done in the past. They are able to have contact with people from all across the globe as well as being able to hold talks and conferences where researchers from different cultures can meet to discuss ideas.

This may mean there should be less cultural bias now since researchers from other cultures being able to talk can help grow understanding and acceptance of differences.

Researchers can also use input from people from different cultures to discuss any potential methodology flaws which can lead to cultural bias.

Ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism

Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two ways in which we assess a culture that is not our own.

While ethnocentrism means someone may judge other cultures based on the standards of their own cultures, cultural relativism is the notion that a culture should be understood on its own terms, without judgment against the criteria of another culture.

Someone who is ethnocentric may believe that their culture is ‘correct’ and ‘normal,’ but someone who adopts cultural relativism understands that one culture is not better than another.

An example of ethnocentrism is believing that the traditional clothing of a culture other than your own is ‘strange’ or ‘incorrect.’ In contrast, cultural relativism would appreciate and accept that different cultures have their own clothing and would not make a negative judgment about someone’s clothing even if it is different from what is the norm for them.

In research, cultural relativism is the ideology that what may be observable in research may only make sense from the perspective of the observed culture and cannot be applied to different cultures.

Ethnocentrism can be avoided or reduced by studying culture using an emic approach. This approach aims to observe cultural differences in the relevant context and uses that culture’s concepts or standards.

Ethnocentric studies are not inherently invalid and should not be disregarded. Instead, researchers should make sure to point out that their research may only be applied to the sample they studied, and the application to other cultures is questionable.

Cultural Relativism in Psychology

An example of how cultural relativism is relevant in research is noted by Sternberg (1985), who stated that the meaning of intelligence is different in every culture.

They noticed that in some cultures, coordination and motor skills are essential to life, so if someone excels in these skills, they are considered highly intelligent according to that culture.

However, in other cultures, motor skills are less relevant to intelligent behaviors, and the culture instead values vast knowledge on a range of topics, such as intelligence instead.

There is the development of ‘indigenous psychologies’ in research, which draws explicitly on the unique experience of people in a different cultural context.

Afrocentrism is an example of this, which suggests that theories of people with African heritage must recognize the African context of behaviors and attitudes.

This approach matters because it has led to the emergence of theories that are more relevant to the lives and cultures of people not only in Africa but also those far removed from their African origins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of ethnocentric behavior.

In psychology, ethnocentric behavior can occur when a researcher conducts a study in a particular culture and then states in their findings that their results can be generalized to all cultures.

Likewise, when researchers apply their theory to another culture, and the results differ from what was the norm in their culture, they state that there is something wrong with that culture.

Otherwise, some other examples of ethnocentric behavior include:

– Judging other cultures’ food and specialty dishes.

– Judging people’s cultural outfits.

– Expecting others to speak your language and criticizing them if they can’t.

– Historical colonialism.

– Judging someone who chooses to live on their own when it is traditional to always live with family in your culture.

What is ethnorelativism?

Ethnorelativism is the ability to see values and behaviors as cultural rather than universal.

It is a belief based on respect for other cultures, believing that all groups, cultures, or subcultures are inherently equal.

Furthermore, it is the belief that other cultures are no better or worse than one’s own but are equally valid despite their differences.

What is the difference between ethnocentrism and racism?

As ethnocentrism implicates a strong identification with an in-group, it can lead to ingrained negative feelings and stereotyping of out-group members, which can be confused with racism.

Whilst they are not the same, ethnocentrism can lead to prejudiced behaviors and attempts to impose one’s subjective culture onto other cultural groups.

Ethnocentric attitudes can lead to prejudice and discrimination based on race and the belief that one race is superior to all others.

What is the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism?

While ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior and correct compared to others, xenocentrism is the belief that other cultures are better than one’s own culture.

Essentially, xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism. In some ways, xenocentrism is considered deviant behavior as it goes against the norms of what someone is expected to appreciate.

Examples of this can include:

– The belief is that vehicles manufactured in other countries are better than ones made in your own country.

– European Renaissance artists desired to emulate ancient Greek artwork.

– The belief that cheeses and wines from other countries are superior to the products from your own country.

– The belief that the style of clothing in another culture is superior to those within your own culture.

– The idea that quality products cannot be purchased in one’s own country.

Further Information

Teo, Thomas, and Angela R. Febbraro. “Ethnocentrism as a form of intuition in psychology.” Theory & Psychology 13.5 (2003): 673-694.
Christopher, J. C., & Hickinbottom, S. (2008). Positive psychology, ethnocentrism, and the disguised ideology of individualism. Theory & psychology, 18(5), 563-589.

Hasa. (2020, February 17). What is the Difference Between Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. PEDIAA. https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-ethnocentrism-and-cultural-relativism/#:~:text=and%20Cultural%20Relativism-,Definition,using%20standards%20of%20another%20culture

Rosado, C. (1994). Understanding cultural relativism in a multicultural world. The Elements of Moral Philosophy , 15-29.

Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Implicit theories of intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. Journal of personality and social psychology, 49(3), 607.

Thalmayer, A. G., Toscanelli, C., & Arnett, J. J. (2021). The neglected 95% revisited: Is American psychology becoming less American? American Psychologist, 76(1), 116–129.

Tilley, J. J. (2000). Cultural relativism. Hum. Rts. Q. , 22 , 501.

Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Race and Ethnicity / Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism Essay Examples

Negative aspects of ethnocentrism perspective.

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