In a rapidly changing global environment, culture remains one of the core aspects that shape our society. It is often said that one of the defining characteristics distinguishing humans from other animals is culture. Culture holds universality in that it exists in every society and provides a way of life to humanity, while also displaying diversity in how different societies adapt to their environments. This culture shapes the identity and values of both individuals and communities in various ways, leading to interactions or conflicts between different cultures. Attitudes toward culture can be categorized into ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, cultural imperialism, and cultural chauvinism. This article will explore the concept of culture and ethnocentrism in particular.
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What is Culture?
Culture can be defined in various ways, depending on the theoretical foundations of different worldviews, social thoughts, values, and behavioral patterns. In general, culture refers to the main behavior patterns or symbolic systems of a society. Simply put, culture refers to everything that is learned postnatally, structured, and socially transmitted, including ways of thinking, acting, and emotional responses. It encompasses language, beliefs, customs, arts, rituals, laws, morals, norms, and values—essentially the entire way of life within a society. Culture influences the formation of identity, both for individuals and groups, and acts as a bonding agent among members of a community.
Culture or civilization is that complex whole which includes law, morals, beliefs, arts, and other ways of behaving that are shared by the members of a society.
Edward Burnett Tylor (1832–1917)
Culture comprises the unique spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional features that characterize a society or social group, as reflected in their arts, literature, lifestyles, value systems, traditions, and beliefs.
UNESCO (2002)
Attributes of Culture
Generally, culture is characterized by the following five attributes:
Shared Nature: Culture is shared among the members of a society. It is often said that culture is shared when people in a region or nation adopt common behavior and ways of thinking. Although individuals have unique lifestyles, people living under similar environmental conditions usually develop common ways of life.
As members of a society share their culture, they also share cultural traits, which create predictability in social life, allowing people to anticipate others' thoughts and actions, leading to a stable society. It also enables distinction, clearly marking the boundaries between one's society and others based on cultural differences.
Learned Nature: Culture is a learned product acquired after birth through the socialization process. Therefore, how people think and act is influenced by the culture they are born into and the socialization they experience within it.
Accumulation: Culture does not disappear as a passing trend but continues to accumulate over generations. Modern culture is built upon the experiences, knowledge, and wisdom of our ancestors, often obtained through trial and error. As new solutions and cultural elements are developed and integrated, culture becomes richer and more diverse over time.
Holistic Nature: Culture is composed of numerous elements, all of which are interrelated in an organic whole. These components are not heterogeneous or discordant, but rather interact with and influence one another in harmony.
Dynamic Nature: Culture is constantly changing. Even well-established and accepted cultural practices may not remain the same over time. This change can occur through the invention or discovery of new cultural elements, shifts in people's values or beliefs due to globalization, or the assimilation of foreign cultures.
Multiculturalism and Diversity
Ethnocentrism:
Ethnocentrism refers to the attitude
of viewing one’s own culture as superior to others and evaluating other
cultures based on one’s own cultural standards. This attitude often involves
a sense of superiority toward one's culture and disdain or contempt for
other cultures.
Rejection of Other Cultures:
Ethnocentric individuals
may judge other cultures' foods, customs, values, and lifestyles negatively.
Since people tend to view the cultural value system they grew up in as
natural and just, they are more likely to regard other cultures as
irrational or wrong.
Advantages of Ethnocentrism
Cultural Identity and Attachment:
Ethnocentrism
fosters a sense of pride and attachment to one’s culture, enhancing national
identity and encouraging a love for one’s cultural heritage.
Cultural Uniqueness:
It encourages the preservation
and transmission of a nation's culture, allowing the creation of distinct
cultural identities.
Cultural Cohesion:
It promotes solidarity within a
group, boosting members' morale and sense of sacrifice for the
collective.
Disadvantages of Ethnocentrism
Exclusivity:
Ethnocentrism can lead to rejecting
other cultures and fostering misunderstanding, distrust, and prejudice. By
refusing to accept the food, customs, and practices of other cultures, it
can make cultural exchange difficult and prevent the understanding of other
ways of life.
Obstructing Global Understanding:
It can lead to
isolation on the international stage, causing a nation or group to be
alienated and disregarded by others.
Problems with Ethnocentrism
Belief in Cultural Superiority:
Ethnocentric
individuals believe in the superiority of their own culture over others,
seeing their norms and values as more advanced or civilized. They view other
groups' habits, values, traditions, and languages as inferior, and may
consider their ways of life primitive.
Imposing Cultural Standards on Minority Groups:
The
majority or dominant culture may impose its standards and beliefs on
minority groups, creating an unequal relationship that can lead to
discrimination, oppression, and disadvantage for minorities.
Institutional Manifestations:
Ethnocentrism often
emerges in various social structures, including organizational hierarchies,
education systems, communication systems, and recognition systems. It can
create unequal access to goods and services and limit opportunities for
economic success or social inclusion, particularly for minorities.
Applying One’s Culture Universally:
Ethnocentrism can
be intentional, but it is often unconscious or unintentional, manifesting as
the invisible hand of cultural dominance. A person who considers themselves
moral, polite, and fair may not realize how narrow-minded or biased their
beliefs and behaviors can be, inadvertently causing harm to minority
groups.
Conclusion
Even today, we frequently see powerful countries trying to impose their cultural values on others through cultural products such as music, food, and movies, often driven by the logic of the capitalist market. To overcome the dangers of ethnocentrism, it is essential to recognize and respect cultural diversity, embracing a more relativistic approach toward culture.
