Anthropology Terms
Anthropology Terms
Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism, also known as "cultural ignorance," is the belief that one's culture is superior to all others. This can lead to condescending or, in extreme cases, uttermost hostility towards other cultures. Ethnocentric people or cultures may consider traits from societies that are still in the early stages of development to be wrong and inferior. The fact that ethnocentrism is normal all around the world is devastating as it prevents cultures from understanding each other's differences and keeping their communications positive.
Examples:
- Chopsticks - In Asia, it is normal to use chopsticks for each meal. Since this culture believes that using chopsticks is the best way of eating, they tend to look down on those who use different eating utensils (such as our typical cutlery). However, this is an example of a minor case of ethnocentrism that is unlikely to cause war.
- Slavery - Beginning in the 14th century, Africans were brought to America to work long hours in plantations. The white belief that African American people were inferior led to them to experiencing horrible treatment which furthered the neverending cycle of slavery. While slavery was abolished in 1865, racism and ethnocentric beliefs surrounding white supremacy are still present in our society.
- Nazi Germany - Nazi Germany and the Holocaust are considered “the most awful ethnocentric practices in all of history.” Adolf Hitler was a passionate believer that Germany was the superior country and that the rest of the world should surrender or be murdered. Anyone not of the German race experienced extreme measures of hostility, especially the Jews. This ethnocentric behavior had worldwide effects, took away too many lives, and left scars that will never heal.
- Chopsticks - In Asia, it is normal to use chopsticks for each meal. Since this culture believes that using chopsticks is the best way of eating, they tend to look down on those who use different eating utensils (such as our typical cutlery). However, this is an example of a minor case of ethnocentrism that is unlikely to cause war.
- Slavery - Beginning in the 14th century, Africans were brought to America to work long hours in plantations. The white belief that African American people were inferior led to them to experiencing horrible treatment which furthered the neverending cycle of slavery. While slavery was abolished in 1865, racism and ethnocentric beliefs surrounding white supremacy are still present in our society.
- Nazi Germany - Nazi Germany and the Holocaust are considered “the most awful ethnocentric practices in all of history.” Adolf Hitler was a passionate believer that Germany was the superior country and that the rest of the world should surrender or be murdered. Anyone not of the German race experienced extreme measures of hostility, especially the Jews. This ethnocentric behavior had worldwide effects, took away too many lives, and left scars that will never heal.
Enculturation
Enculturation is the process in which people, typically children, are socialized into the norms and requirements of a particular culture. They learn the limits, rules, values, and beliefs of their society as well as the language and customs. In summary, enculturation is the process of learning about the culture you live in and how to become a part of it.
Examples:
- Parents - Since the majority of enculturation occurs when we are children, our parents play an important role in identifying social norms, identifying how society functions, and what role individuals play. Children watch as their parents shop at the grocery store, go to work, and attend religious activities - orienting themselves to the ways of society through repetition. In addition, parents demonstrate key values including kindness and rule-following.
- School - At school students are taught about their society's history, law and government, or even small things like what to wear and how to follow instructions from a teacher.
- Early Societies - In nomadic groups/early societies, boys would typically follow the footsteps of their father and the girl would follow the mother. The boys would go hunting with their dad and maybe attend a community meeting while the girls would stay home, pick berries and learn how to take care of society. This way, children could learn, depending on their gender, how to fit into social standards. However, in today's society, children have more freedom on who they would like to become and have fewer limitations to the path they must follow.
- Parents - Since the majority of enculturation occurs when we are children, our parents play an important role in identifying social norms, identifying how society functions, and what role individuals play. Children watch as their parents shop at the grocery store, go to work, and attend religious activities - orienting themselves to the ways of society through repetition. In addition, parents demonstrate key values including kindness and rule-following.
- School - At school students are taught about their society's history, law and government, or even small things like what to wear and how to follow instructions from a teacher.
- Early Societies - In nomadic groups/early societies, boys would typically follow the footsteps of their father and the girl would follow the mother. The boys would go hunting with their dad and maybe attend a community meeting while the girls would stay home, pick berries and learn how to take care of society. This way, children could learn, depending on their gender, how to fit into social standards. However, in today's society, children have more freedom on who they would like to become and have fewer limitations to the path they must follow.
Articles
Comments
Post a Comment