Here is the exact answer comparing critical versus absolute cultural relativism.
Critical and absolute cultural relativism represent different approaches to understanding and engaging with cultural practices outside one's own, primarily differing in their stance on questioning and critique.
Absolute Cultural Relativism
Absolute cultural relativism holds the most strict view, suggesting that all cultural practices must be accepted without question by outsiders. As stated in the reference: "Absolute cultural relativists believe that everything that happens within a culture should and should not be questioned by outsiders." While the phrasing "should and should not" is present in the reference, the core tenet in contrast to critical relativism is that external questioning and judgment are seen as inappropriate.
In practice, this perspective implies:
- Complete non-judgment of foreign cultural practices.
- Viewing all cultural norms and values as equally valid simply because they exist within a culture.
- A prohibition against outsiders questioning the ethics or reasoning behind any cultural tradition, no matter how controversial it may seem from an external perspective.
Critical Cultural Relativism
In contrast, critical cultural relativism adopts a more nuanced and analytical position. It does not simply accept all practices unquestioningly. Instead, it encourages a deeper examination of cultural norms. According to the reference, "critical cultural relativism questions cultural practices in terms of who adopts them and why, and recognizes power relations."
This perspective involves:
- Questioning why certain practices exist and who within the culture benefits from or is disadvantaged by them.
- Recognizing and analyzing the influence of power dynamics (e.g., social status, gender, age, political authority) within a culture that shape its practices.
- While still attempting to understand practices within their cultural context, it allows for an ethical evaluation or critique, often in dialogue with members within that culture who may hold dissenting views.
- Focusing on understanding the internal complexities and potential inequalities within a culture, rather than just observing practices from the outside.
Key Differences at a Glance
The fundamental distinction lies in the willingness to question cultural practices and recognize underlying power structures.
| Feature | Absolute Cultural Relativism | Critical Cultural Relativism |
|---|---|---|
| Stance on Questioning | Belief that cultural practices should not be questioned by outsiders. | Questions cultural practices regarding their origin, adoption, and impact. |
| Focus | Acceptance and non-judgment of external cultures. | Analysis of why practices exist and who they affect within a culture. |
| Recognition of Power | Typically does not explicitly analyze internal power relations. | Actively recognizes and analyzes power relations within the culture. |
In summary, absolute cultural relativism posits a strict non-interventionist stance regarding judgment of other cultures, while critical cultural relativism advocates for questioning practices, understanding motivations, and acknowledging the role of power within a cultural context.
