Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture they are studying. 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. European colonizers often viewed the people in the lands they colonized as uncultured savages who were in need of European governance, dress, religion, and other cultural practices. Her imposing father kept his distance. Outcome: The Sociological Imagination, 11. 3. Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. This is an example of: [reveal-answer q=501221]Show Glossary[/reveal-answer] [hidden-answer a=501221]. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Education, 157. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. Reading: Theories of Self-Development, 61. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism - Culture and Psychology - Maricopa 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. Why It Matters: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 214. Did you have an idea for improving this content? And an appreciation for another culture shouldnt preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. 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. Ethnocentrism can be so strong that when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience disorientation and frustration. Reading: Types and Stages of Social Movements, 229. a. The basis for evaluation differs according to the view employed. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Economics, 206. 3. Ethnocentrism can be so strong that when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience disorientation and frustration. It may also possess subcultures within it, with their own unique and distinct characteristics. Why It Matters: Socialization and Interaction, 55. Explanation: Hope its help As nouns the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. 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. Reading: Socialization Across the Life Course, 68. Her imposing father kept his distance. Why It Matters: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, 121. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. 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. (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. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. [reveal-answer q=436227]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], [reveal-answer q=248899]Show Answer[/reveal-answer]. Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others.