INSET DEMO FEST

1. I can define cultural relativism and ethnocentrism

2. I can explain the importance of cultural relativism in attaining cultural understanding

3. I can determine real-life scenarios or examples where cultural relativism can be applied to avoid ethnocentrism.

A literal meaning of ethnocentrism is the regard that one’s culture and society is the center of everything and therefore far more superior than others.

Ethnocentrism

The word “ethno” comes from the Greek and refers to a people, nation, or cultural grouping.

“centric”, on the other hand comes from Latin and refers to the center.

Ethnocentrism

The sociologist William Graham Sumner is widely credited with coining the term "ethnocentrism" in 1906.
He introduced the concept in his book, Folkways, where he defined it as the belief that one's own group or culture is superior to others.

History

• It is the feeling of disorientation, uncertainty, out of place, or even fear when immersed in an unfamiliar culture.

• Human beings are innately biased.

• We find discomfort to things were not familiar.

• It is a product of the ways of our culture.

Therefore...

• Ethnocentrism limits our understanding and creates barriers between people.

• In real life, it leads to discrimination, division, and misunderstanding.

Cultural Relativism

The concept of cultural relativism underscores the idea that a person’s beliefs and activities should be understood based on their own culture, not judged against another.

Cultural Relativism

Societies are qualitatively different from one another, such that each one has its own “unique logic”.

Cultural Relativism

The idea of cultural relativism was developed and popularized by anthropologist Franz Boas, with his initial articulation occurring in 1887.

Your Turn! Think-Pair-Share

Pair Work: With your partner, reflect on the following scenarios related to ethnocentrism and suggest 1 or 2 ways to overcome these ethnocentric views.

Your Turn! Think-Pair-Share

Afterwards, through the spin wheel, there will be a chosen pair that will represent the class. The pair will share their suggestions in front.
Guide Questions:
1. What was your initial reaction to the scenarios/views?
2. How did your perception change after suggesting ways to overcome ethnocentrism?
3. Why is it important to consider the cultural context in understanding societies?

• Based on your answers for every scenario (T-P-S), would CR mitigate EC? yes or no?

• What advantages could Cultural Relativism contribute to society?

“Respect grows when we realize that different doesn’t mean wrong, it just means there’s more than one way to live, believe, and belong.”

​Key Answers:

1. CR (Cultural Relativism)

2. EC (Ethnocentric)

3. CR (Cultural Relativism)

4. EC (Ethnocentric)

5. CR (Cultural Relativism)

Answer these questions before exiting the class:

Instruction

Make a reflection poster (using a digital tool) that includes:

• One real example of ethnocentrism (from your life, your community, or the news).

• One way to respond with cultural relativism (how to show respect and understanding).

• A short reflection (3–5 sentences): How can I help promote respect for cultural differences in school or in my community?