similarities of ethnocentrism and xenocentrism

Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. In a more extreme sense, some cultures may idolize . the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, and not in comparison to another culture culture shock: an experience of personal disorientation when confronted with an unfamiliar way of life ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture xenocentrism: 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. Someone from a country where dog meat is standard fare might find it off-putting to see a dog in a French restaurantnot on the menu, but as a pet and fellow patrons companion. Reading: Defining the Sociological Imagination, 13. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. These two viewpoints are essentially distinct but do share a few similarities between them. To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. An ethnocentric is concerned with how similar others' cultural practices, symbols, and beliefs are to their own. It can take weeks or months to recover from culture shock, and it can take years to fully adjust to living in a new culture. Putting It Together: Work and the Economy, 213. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. Reading: Roles and the Presentation of Self, 52. 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. Xenocentrism is a culturally-based tendency to value other cultures more highly than one's own, which can materialize in a variety of different ways. The people who maintain an ethnocentric view in life will not typically bother much about other societies and cultures in the world, past or present. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Education, 157. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power, 198. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. Outcome: Globalization and the Economy, 209. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. It's the belief that one's ethnic group is superior to another. 1. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. Outcome: Reality as a Social Construct, 50. 3. It proposes that all cultures have their own merits and demerits, and hence are of equal value such that there is no concept of cultural superiority. Modification, adaptation, and original content. Reading: Functionalism on Media and Technology, 241. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. The main similarity is that they both are too much. Reading: Feminist Theory on Education, 160. Why It Matters: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 168. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Government, 199. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. 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 the particular region. It is impossible for anyone to keep all cultural biases at bay; the best we can do is strive to be aware of them. William G. Summer, an American academic, introduced this term and defined it as the technical name for the view of things in which ones own group is the center of everything, and all others are scaled and rated with reference to it. Reading: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, 109. 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. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Exceptionalism Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term culture shock. In his studies, Oberg found that most people found encountering a new culture to be exciting at first. Synonyms for ethnocentricity in Free Thesaurus. Reading: Introduction to Theoretical Perspectives, 15. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. ethnocentrism: the practice of evaluating another culture according to the standards of one's own culture material culture: the objects or belongings of a group of people nonmaterial culture: the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society xenocentrism: a belief that another culture is superior to one's own [/hidden-answer] Marias mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. 3. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Sex, 133. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Want to create or adapt books like this? Outcome: Media and Technology in Society, 238. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term culture shock. In his studies, Oberg found that most people found encountering a new culture to be exciting at first. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. Figure 2. Antonyms for ethnocentricity. Outcome: Pop Culture, Subculture, and Cultural Change, 44. 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. People with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to help its people, because they see them as uneducated or backwardessentially inferior. The way cuisines vary across cultures fascinates many people. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Full list of synonyms for Ethnocentrism is here. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. The present world consists of a variety of unique cultures. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Sometimes when people attempt to rectify feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to one's own. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they recover from culture shock. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. . Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Marriage and Family, 145. To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. One example is the romanticization of the noble savage in the 18th-century primitivism movement in European art, philosophy and ethnography. Caitlins shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. It is impossible for anyone to keep all cultural biases at bay; the best we can do is strive to be aware of them. During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago to Madrid to visit Maria, the exchange student shed befriended the previous semester. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. A good example of ethnocentrism is referring to parts of Asia as the Far East. One might question, Far east of where?. Putting It Together: Sociological Foundations, 34. Music and laughter are examples of: http://cnx.org/contents/02040312-72c8-441e-a685-20e9333f3e1d/Introduction_to_Sociology_2e. Why do you believe this? Xenocentrism noun A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. 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. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms. Reading: Ethnocentrism and Xenocentricism, 39. However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Reading: Social Change and Modernization, 233. Some travelers pride themselves on their willingness to try unfamiliar foods, like celebrated food writer Anthony Bourdain, while others return home expressing gratitude for their native cultures fare. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. Xenocentrismis the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to ones own. . Ethnocentrism, as sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. These views involve examining a culture and all its aspects and evaluating them. Xenocentrism puts others before one's own nation, which means that the health and stability of one's own is thought of as less important. Xenocentrism is the opposite of . In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. Why It Matters: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, 76. Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. Some people will simply call it cultural ignorance. belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Since this judgement is often negative, some people also use the term to refer to the belief that one's culture is superior to, or more correct or normal than, all othersespecially regarding the distinctions that define each ethnicity's cultural identity, such as language, behavior, customs, and religion. Such attitudes are an example ofethnocentrism, or evaluating and judging another culture based on how it compares to ones own cultural norms. 2 words related to ethnocentrism: partisanship, partiality. 3. Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. The differences and similarities observed between various cultures determine the way the people of those cultures interact with each other. (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. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, You really tried! In Bargers own culture, he had learned to value victory. In sociology, we call thisculture shock. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification, 102. He knew hed never hold his own against these experts. Experiencing new cultures offers an opportunity to practice cultural relativism. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike for other cultures and could cause misunderstanding and conflict. But bit by bit, they became stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who spoke another language and used different regional expressions. #ChristianNationalism #nationalism. Why It Matters: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, 214. Reading: The Graying of the United States, 181. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed a bit more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. The basis for evaluation differs according to the view employed. Such characters are called cultural universals. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. In January 2011, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America presented evidence indicating that the hormone oxytocin could regulate and manage instances of ethnocentrism. Similarities and Differences Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. Shed learned a lot about Spain, but shed also discovered a lot about herself and her own culture. For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in ones own country, state, or even hometown. The tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own traditional, deferred, or adoptive ethnic culture. (Photo courtesy of OledSidorenko/flickr). 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. (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. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. Why It Matters: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, 121. A high level of appreciation for ones own culture can be healthy; a shared sense of community pride, for example, connects people in a society. Reading: The Cultural Significance of Health, 170. In the United States, its most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet. Putting It Together: Race and Ethnicity, 120. I disagree." The Dangerous Intersection of Christian Nationalism and Ethnocentrism. A traveler from Chicago might find the nightly silence of rural Montana unsettling, not peaceful. Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, 137. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. Explain each perspective, give an example of each, and discuss any flaws that each perspective might have. What issues or events might inform this? . Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric. In terms of sensitivity, ethnocentrism is insensitive to other cultures, while cultural relativism shows high cultural sensitivity. A preference for the products, styles, or ideas of a different culture. Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. This is so, because it is almost impossible to be unbiased while comparing cultures. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her. Culture shock may appear because people arent always expecting cultural differences. Reading: Social and Psychological Changes of Aging, 186. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of particular language structures and conversational etiquette reveal tremendous differences. If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Living with these constant adaptive challenges can make people feel incompetent and insecure. Reading: Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Groups, 108. Reading: Socialization Across the Life Course, 68. Both views present negative connotations. Both these viewpoints or concepts present extremist views, i.e. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity, 111. Europes colonial expansion, begun in the sixteenth century, was often accompanied by a severe cultural imperialism. Reading: Charter Schools and Homeschooling, 165. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. Often, people in the United States express disgust at other cultures cuisine and think that its gross to eat meat from a dog or guinea pig, for example, while they dont question their own habit of eating cows or pigs. An exchange student from China might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questionsa practice that is considered rude in China. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. This concept was developed to attempt to overcome ethnocentric bias when conducting anthropological studies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Putting It Together: Socialization and Interaction, 72. Reading: Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Medicine, 171. They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. Outcome: Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, 240. Based on this subjective perception of other cultures, two types of views emerge when one compares two or more cultures. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. while ethnocentrism leans towards intolerance, cultural relativism leans towards incredibly high tolerance of cultural features. Reading: Symbolic Interactionism on Media and Technology, 243. 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. Reading: Healthcare Outside of the United States, 179. For example, Americans tend to say that people from England drive on the wrong side of the road, rather than on the other side. It is a rule that is similar to "finder's keepers" because of the role that ethnocentrism plays in our personal approach. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Music and laughter are examples of: [reveal-answer q=72875]Show Answer[/reveal-answer], Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Over the course of his stay, Barger participated in caribou hunts, learned how to take shelter in winter storms, and sometimes went days with little or no food to share among tribal members. Putting It Together: Health, Aging, and the Elderly, 190. Shed studied Spanish in school for yearswhy hadnt it prepared her for this? These distinctions and subjective comparisons impart a cultural identity to each ethnicity. Xenocentrism is the preference for the cultural practices of other cultures and societies, such as how they live and what they eat, rather than of one's own social way of life. Youll have more success on the Self-Check, if youve completed the three Readings in this section. Over the course of his stay, Barger participated in caribou hunts, learned how to take shelter in winter storms, and sometimes went days with little or no food to share among tribal members. There was new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. [hidden-answer a=501221]. Reading: Symbolic Interactionist Theory, 20. It helps to remember that culture is learned. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts facial expressions, and didnt realize she should make the next toast. In reality, these travelers are guilty ofcultural imperialism, the deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume she is drinking? Pride in ones own culture doesnt have to lead to imposing its values on others. Reading: Universal Access to Education, 156. Do you feel that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentricity are more prevalent in U.S. culture? Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, which means to value one's own culture more than the other's culture. Why It Matters: Work and the Economy, 202. People with a strong sense of ethnocentrism tend to dislike this sort of change, even where it has many advantages. We hope you enjoy this website. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with ones own country is natural. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. A culture consists of a group of people that possess specific traditions, language, belief system, customs, hierarchy, food, music, and literature. In the United States, its most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, . Another example would be the deforestation of the Amazon Basin as indigenous cultures lose land to timber corporations. Shed stepped out of her comfort zone. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was servedat 10 p.m.! Reading: Poverty in the United States, 212. Introductory Sociology by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
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