Ethnocentrism is a global phenomenon running across all races and ethnic groups. Ethnocentrism is defined as the tendency to view others from the basis of one’s belief systems, values, and norms (Omohundro, 2008). It is the tendency to perceive other cultures from one’s perspective and failing to appreciate the cultural diversity. Ethnocentrism is common in both the developed and developed countries. In the United States, for instance, there is a tendency of the Americas to think that their high standards of living come out of hard work, discipline, and dedication (Omohundro, 2008). As a result, Americans are likely to think that the poor people from the rest of the world are so because they are lazy and lack ambition. This kind of judgment may not necessarily reflect the truth on the ground, since some countries have more opportunities than others. Ethnocentrism is considered to be natural because people, regardless of their ethnicity, have the tendency to perceive their culture to be superior to that of other groups. For instance, most cultures from the developing countries, such as Africa, reject issues of to do with homosexuality, sex education in school, and abortion claiming that values are foreign. The perception is that one’s cultural beliefs and values are stronger to that of the ‘outsiders.’
Pros and cons of ethnocentrism
While ethnocentrism is associated with negative outcomes, it is important to appreciate the positive that also occur. Firstly, ethnocentrism is vital in fostering social cohesion and unity in a given culture. It assists people in appreciating their cultural identity. There is a correlation between ethnicity and self-esteem is a given ethnic group. People learn to appreciate their own cultures, hence causing a sense of belonging. Ethnocentrism is imperative, especially when a certain group of people are marginalized and oppressed. The cohesion and unity existing in the group helps in addressing the social injustices. In the United States, for instance, ethnocentrism among the African Americans has played a major role in addressing issues of racism, economic inequalities, and other forms of social injustices.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Ethnocentrism is also vital in setting certain unique standards that guide the way a certain culture responds to different social phenomenon (Margaret, 2008). The standards are based on the beliefs and values of a certain group of people. For instance, in the United States, people believe in the rule of law, such as the protection of the fundamental rights of the people. These beliefs and values determine how the United States perceives and expects from the countries that perpetuate social injustices. For instance, the United States plays an imperative role in promoting democracy and rule of law globally.
Ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice and discrimination and degradation of other people’s cultures (Max, Artem, & Thomas, 2013). As aforementioned, there is a tendency of people from other groups to fail in appreciating the cultural differences. This may lead to numerous bias about the marginalized and oppressed people in the society. It is a common thing for the poor in the society to be blamed for issues affecting them. The poverty, diseases, and illiteracy some developing cultures can be blamed on laziness. This kind of prejudice affects the way different cultures interact with each other. Some cultures will feel inferior. This leads to the degradation of one’s culture, and this makes most people be assimilated to the perceived superior cultures. This has become a major occurrence in the United States where most subcultures have been assimilated into the mainstream cultures.
Combating ethnocentrism
One of the ways of combating ethnocentrism will be to appreciate the cultural differences. One should know that people are different and have different perspectives about the social phenomenon. Appreciating cultural diversity will play an imperative role in preventing conflicts, especially in the workplace. The goal will be to respect the cultural values, beliefs, traditions of others. Instead of seeking to assimilate, the society should enhance diversity.
The second strategy of combating ethnocentrism is by learning more about other cultures. Practices such as intermarriages and other forms of interaction will enhance learning and appreciation of other peoples’ cultures. Learning other culture makes one become cultural competent. It assists in addressing the challenge of bias and perceptions that one culture is superior to another. Learning about cultures will also help in overcoming prejudice and discrimination that is common in communities that do not tolerate cultural differences. Sports and other related social functions have been found to play an imperative role in understanding and respecting cultural diversity. The education, political, religious, and other social institution also have a role to play in fostering social harmony and embracing cultural diversity.
The other way of combating ethnocentrism is by avoiding being judgmental and respecting other people’s cultures (Hammond, 2006). As aforementioned, people have a tendency to judge others, just because they do not subscribe to one’s values and beliefs. People have different ways of performing their daily functions and should be respected instead of being ostracized and judged. People should always strive to treat others as they would want to be treated. This principle plays a significant role of appreciating cultural differences and respecting others.
References
Omohundro, T. (2008). Thinking like an Anthropologist: A practical introduction to Cultural Anthropology . McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-07-319580-4.
Hammond, R. A.; Axelrod, R. (2006). "The Evolution of Ethnocentrism". Journal of Conflict Resolution 50 (6): 926–936
Margaret, L. (2006). Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society . Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-61716-6.
Max, H., Artem, K., & Thomas, S. (2013). "The Evolutionary Dominance of Ethnocentric Cooperation" Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation
