Cultural Relativism: Understanding Different Cultures on Their Own Terms

Question 1

According to cultural relativism, how should cultures be evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Based on their own standards and beliefs

Answer

As inherently superior or inferior to one another

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Imposed on different cultures to promote cultural homogeneity

Question 2

Which of the following is a key principle of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

No culture is inherently superior to another.

Answer

All cultural practices should be judged by universal moral standards.

Answer

Cultural practices always make sense to outsiders.

Question 3

The central tenet of cultural relativism is that:

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices should be respected and understood, even if they differ from our own beliefs.

Answer

Cultures should be evaluated by universal standards.

Answer

Cultural practices are beyond criticism or examination.

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Cultural values are static and universal.

Question 4

According to the principle of cultural relativism, how should we approach the examination of cultural practices?

Accepted Answer

Understand them within the context of their own culture

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Judge them based on the standards of our own culture

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Compare them to other cultures to determine their superiority or inferiority

Question 5

What does it mean to 'suspend judgment' when examining cultural practices through the lens of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

To withhold any opinions or reactions until we have a complete understanding of the culture

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To disregard our own cultural biases and values

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To accept all cultural practices as equally valid and worthy of respect

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of ethnocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Believing that one's own culture is superior to others

Answer

Appreciating the diversity of cultural practices without judgment

Answer

Recognizing the cultural influences on human behavior

Question 7

How can cultural relativism contribute to more effective跨文化交流?

Accepted Answer

Promoting empathy and understanding through the recognition of cultural differences

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Eliminating cultural barriers by imposing a universal set of values

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Avoiding conflicts and misunderstandings by ignoring cultural sensitivities

Question 8

Cultural relativism's principle of understanding cultural practices within their own context has been criticized primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Can be used to justify harmful actions under the guise of cultural acceptance.

Answer

Encourages tolerance of all cultural practices.

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Assumes that all cultures have equal value.

Question 9

What are cultural universals, and how do they relate to cultural relativism? Explain how cultural universals both support and challenge the idea that all cultures are distinct.

Accepted Answer

Cultural universals are shared traits or behaviors found across all cultures, reflecting common human experiences and characteristics.

Answer

Cultural universals are a form of cultural imperialism, forcing Western values and beliefs onto other cultures.

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Cultural universals weaken cultural relativism by implying that cultures cannot be fully understood within their unique contexts.

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Cultural universals support the notion that cultural relativism is outdated and should be discarded.

Question 10

Define cultural relativism.

Accepted Answer

The understanding that different cultures hold unique and valid values and beliefs.

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The belief that all cultures are inferior to one's own.

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The view that all cultures should be evaluated by the same moral standards.

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The idea that cultural practices remain unchanged over time.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

We should refrain from judging other cultures.

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We should attempt to modify cultures we disapprove of.

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We should enforce our own cultural values upon others.

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We should limit our interactions to individuals from our own culture.

Question 12

Provide an example of cultural relativism in practice.

Accepted Answer

Respecting dietary restrictions that may seem unusual to one's own culture.

Answer

Universally condemning practices such as female genital mutilation.

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Assuming that individualism is a universal cultural value.

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Believing that one's culture represents the sole correct way of life.

Question 13

Define cultural relativism.

Accepted Answer

The principle that all cultures should be understood within their own contexts

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The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others

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The belief that different cultures cannot learn from each other

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The idea that cultural practices should never be judged

Question 14

Which of the following is a key implication of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices should be understood within their cultural context

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Cultural practices should always be respected

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Cultural beliefs should be judged by universal standards

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Cultural norms should be preserved at all costs

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

It promotes understanding and tolerance of different cultures

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It can be used to justify harmful practices

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It can make it difficult to compare cultures

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It is based on a flawed understanding of human nature

Question 16

Provide an example that illustrates cultural relativism.

Accepted Answer

Believing that eating insects is acceptable in some cultures but not in others

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Condemning a practice such as female genital mutilation in all cultures

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Assuming that Western values are universally superior

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Judging a culture's customs based solely on one's own experiences

Question 17

Cultural relativism suggests that societal norms and values are:

Accepted Answer

Relative to each culture's unique context.

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Universal and unchanging across all cultures.

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Based solely on universal moral principles.

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Determined exclusively by dominant societal groups.

Question 18

Evaluate the impact of cultural relativism on ethical decision-making.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism provides a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas in cross-cultural contexts.

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Cultural relativism undermines the concept of universal ethical principles.

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Cultural relativism requires individuals to conform to the ethical norms of all cultures they encounter.

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Cultural relativism justifies any action as long as it is consistent with the actor's cultural beliefs.

Question 19

Define cultural relativism, the principle that guides anthropologists in understanding behavior and society.

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultures within their own contexts

Answer

Believing one's own culture is superior

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Judging other cultures through one's own values

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Accepting all cultural practices without judgment

Question 20

Which action best exemplifies cultural relativism for anthropologists?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a non-judgmental approach to all cultures

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Prioritizing the study of their own culture

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Seeking to change cultures deemed inferior

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Restricting studies to cultures similar to their own

Question 21

Which practice illustrates cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the validity of arranged marriages in specific cultures

Answer

Condemning female genital mutilation across all cultures

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Assuming Western medicine is superior to traditional healing

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Expecting all cultures to follow the same dietary habits

Question 22

Which criticism raises a concern about cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

It can justify harmful practices

Answer

It assumes equal morality in all cultures

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It's impossible to fully understand other cultures

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It's a form of cultural imperialism

Question 23

Which factor does NOT influence cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Genetic makeup

Answer

Historical context

Answer

Political beliefs

Answer

Personal experiences

Question 24

Cultural relativism is a valuable concept for promoting tolerance and understanding in diverse societies. Explain how cultural relativism can be used to achieve these goals.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism encourages individuals to suspend judgment and empathize with others from different cultural backgrounds, fostering understanding and reducing prejudice.

Answer

Cultural relativism advocates for imposing a single set of moral values and beliefs on all cultures.

Answer

Cultural relativism promotes disregarding cultural differences and treating all individuals as the same.

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Cultural relativism promotes cultural superiority and dominance of one culture over others.

Question 25

What is a fundamental principle of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

All cultures have inherent value.

Answer

Some cultures are inferior to others.

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Cultures should be imposed upon one another.

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Cultural practices are universally wrong.

Question 26

Cultural relativism is the principle that:

Accepted Answer

All cultures are equally valid and should be understood on their own terms.

Answer

All cultures are inferior to Western culture.

Answer

All cultures are superior to Western culture.

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Western culture is the only truly advanced culture.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT an implication of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices should be changed if they are objectionable.

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Judgments about other cultures should be avoided.

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Other cultures should be understood on their own terms.

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The diversity of human beliefs and practices should be respected.

Question 28

Cultural relativism assumes:

Accepted Answer

Culture is learned and transmitted within societies.

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Human nature is universal and unchanging.

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Cultural differences are unimportant.

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All humans are fundamentally the same.

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of cultural relativism in practice?

Accepted Answer

Celebrating Lunar New Year in the United States.

Answer

Expecting foreigners to use chopsticks.

Answer

Judging the morality of arranged marriages in India by American standards.

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Believing that all cultures are inferior to one's own.

Question 30

A common criticism of cultural relativism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ignores the existence of universal human rights.

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Promotes a lack of cultural awareness.

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Reinforces cultural superiority.

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Encourages cultural isolationism.

Question 31

Which of the following statements about cultural relativism is accurate?

Accepted Answer

It encourages the learning and appreciation of diverse cultures.

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It suggests that one's own culture is inherently superior.

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It implies that cultural differences are inconsequential.

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It requires the abandonment of personal cultural values.

Question 32

The concept of cultural relativism is primarily associated with the work of:

Accepted Answer

Franz Boas

Answer

Margaret Mead

Answer

Ruth Benedict

Answer

Claude Lévi-Strauss

Question 33

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

All cultures should be understood and evaluated within their own contexts.

Answer

All cultures possess inherent superiority.

Answer

Only certain advanced cultures are worthy of study.

Answer

Cultural practices should not be subject to criticism.

Question 34

Which of the following cultural behaviors best exemplifies the principle of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Consuming insects as a source of sustenance.

Answer

Imposing capital punishment for criminal offenses.

Answer

Arranging marriages within extended family networks.

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Participating in democratic electoral processes.

Question 35

Who is widely recognized as the pioneer of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Franz Boas

Answer

Margaret Mead

Answer

Bronisław Malinowski

Answer

Edward Tylor

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Can potentially justify harmful or oppressive practices.

Answer

Fosters understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.

Answer

Protects against cultural imperialism.

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Encourages cooperation and dialogue across cultures.

Question 37

How does cultural relativism impact anthropological research methodologies?

Accepted Answer

It requires researchers to refrain from imposing value judgments on other cultures.

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It encourages researchers to focus exclusively on studying their own culture.

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It eliminates the need for objective scientific methods.

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It hinders the comparison of different cultures.

Question 38

Which of the following is an example of ethnocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Assuming that one's own cultural practices are superior to those of others.

Answer

Acknowledging that cultural practices can vary across different societies.

Answer

Respecting the beliefs and values of other cultures.

Answer

Avoiding generalizations about entire cultural groups.

Question 39

What is the role of empathy in cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

It enables researchers to deeply understand the experiences of individuals from different cultures.

Answer

It eliminates the need for objective observation.

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It justifies accepting any cultural practice, regardless of its consequences.

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It is irrelevant to the study of anthropology.

Question 40

Which of the following is a potential criticism of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

It can be used to justify cultural practices that violate human rights.

Answer

It hinders cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

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It promotes cultural imperialism.

Answer

It fosters cultural isolation.

Question 41

Which of the following is a fundamental tenet of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

All cultures possess unique perspectives and should be assessed based on their own standards.

Answer

Cultural values should be discarded when they diverge from our own.

Answer

It is acceptable to impose cultural practices on foreign cultures to foster progress.

Answer

Specific cultural practices are inherently superior to others.

Question 42

Identify the behavior that aligns with the concept of cultural relativism:

Accepted Answer

Recognizing that food considered edible in one culture may be taboo in another.

Answer

Condemning cultural practices that deviate from our own.

Answer

Assuming the superiority of our cultural values.

Answer

Overlooking cultural context when interpreting behaviors.

Question 43

Identify a potential advantage of adopting a culturally relativistic perspective:

Accepted Answer

It cultivates tolerance and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Answer

It condones all cultural practices, even those that are detrimental.

Answer

It erodes cultural identity.

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It hinders critique or reform of cultural norms.

Question 44

Define the term "emic" perspective in cultural anthropology:

Accepted Answer

The perspective of the individuals within the culture being studied.

Answer

The perspective of an external observer devoid of cultural biases.

Answer

The assumption that all cultures are inherently equal.

Answer

The perspective of the anthropologist conducting the study.

Question 45

Explain how cultural relativism relates to the idea of cultural universals:

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism acknowledges cultural diversity but does not negate the existence of universal human experiences transcending cultural boundaries.

Answer

Cultural universals pose a threat to cultural relativism, implying the superiority of certain cultural practices.

Answer

Cultural relativism maintains that there are no universal cultural traits and that all human behavior is culturally determined.

Answer

Cultural relativism is inapplicable to cultures that exhibit cultural universals.

Question 46

Cultural relativism asserts that:

Accepted Answer

All cultures possess their unique value systems and should be understood within their own contexts.

Answer

Certain cultures are inherently superior to others.

Answer

Cultural differences hold no relevance to comprehending human behaviors.

Question 47

According to cultural relativism, the most effective approach to studying another culture is through:

Accepted Answer

Immersing oneself within the culture and experiencing it firsthand.

Answer

Observing the culture from a distance and making judgments based on external criteria.

Answer

Sole reliance on books and historical accounts.

Question 48

An example of cultural diversity in family structures is:

Accepted Answer

In some cultures, extended families are prevalent, while in others, nuclear families dominate.

Answer

Family structures are solely determined by economic factors.

Answer

All cultures have an identical number of family members.

Question 49

Cultural relativism influences our view of cultural differences by:

Accepted Answer

Encouraging us to perceive differences as natural and understandable rather than peculiar or incorrect.

Answer

Leading us to believe that all cultures are superior to our own.

Answer

Preventing us from forming judgments about other cultures.

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential advantage of adhering to cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Fostering tolerance and respect for diversity.

Answer

Hindering cross-cultural communication.

Answer

Inhibiting cultural progress and change.

Answer

Perpetuating cultural stereotypes.

Question 51

How can cultural relativism be incorporated into education?

Accepted Answer

By acknowledging and valuing students' cultural backgrounds and integrating diverse viewpoints into the curriculum.

Answer

Ignoring cultural differences and treating all students identically.

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

It offers a complete and objective understanding of all cultures.

Answer

It can be challenging to implement in practice.

Answer

It may lead to cultural misunderstandings.

Question 53

Cultural relativism's implications for our understanding of human nature suggest that:

Accepted Answer

Human nature is shaped by culture and cannot be fully comprehended outside of a cultural context.

Answer

Human nature is universal and unchanging.