Introduction to sociology / Culture / Na kyung Lee

1. Summary

Ethnocentrism & Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism is an aspect that see the world in their culture. Many people said that all cultures have ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism have believed that their ethnics are most important and their culture is best. Sociologists study ethnocentrism because of various factors of social life. And Cultural relativism is believed that cultural notion and value can't be completely translated or understood. 

 

The function of culture

Culture plays a specific function in social life and maintain social order that is the result of shared understandings and meanings. In contrast, culture can play role of creating and maintain social inequality. Because culture can be used by dominants and subordinates to justify social orders. Therefore, people have to overcome cultural pattern for social equality.

2. What was interesting / What did you learn

I learn ethnocentrism and cultural relativism in highschool. So I'm familar with these notion. And I'm very interested that culture can play role of creating and maintain social inequality. Because I always think culture has only positive aspect.

 

3. Discussion Point

This document said that culture can be used by dominants and subordinates to justify social orders. So people have to overcome cultural pattern for social equality. I want to know that how people can overcome cultural pattern for social equality.