Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
CONSOLATRIX COLLEGE OF TOLEDO CITY INC.
Magsaysay Hills Toledo City, Cebu

Quarter 3- Module 2
ETHNOCENTRISM AND CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Learning
SELF - LEARNING KIT Area and

Grade Level : Senior High School – Grade 11

Quarter Number: 3
Module Number: 2

ETHNOCENTRISM AND CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Learning Competency
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 Analyze the concept, aspects, and changes in/of culture and society*

Message to the Learner and Facilitator

For the Learner:

Welcome to the Understanding Culture, Society and Politics Learning Module on Ethnocentrism and Cultural
Relativism. How are you? I hope you’re in a chaos-free situation right now. I’ve been longing to see you in
person, my student, but there are things which are not under my control. I am sincerely hoping you are doing
well and healthy. Please allow me to consider these things I included in this learning module. As we are facing
huge adjustments in our educational system, you are tasked to find an alternative way to continue learning in
order to prepare you to be globally competitive 21st Century learner. As your teacher, I exhibit my time by
making this learning module which is mainly crafted to focus on the different activities that will help you to learn
as well as to assess your level in terms of skills and knowledge on a certain lessons we supposed to learn in
school and to be learned through the aid of this learning module. This is a good alternative for you to continue
learning as we are being challenged by time and circumstances. You are capable and empowered to
successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. I hope that you will be
encouraged to work on the activities I have prepared for you. Stay at your home and be safe.

For the Facilitator:

Good Day! I hope you’re well and healthy. I am sending my sincerest gratitude to you and your family for still
choosing to be with us despite the difficulties we are facing right now. As we are challenged by the struggles
we encountered in this trying times, we should not let anything hinder us to continue learning and to progress.
We should always remember to strengthen our capability to think of any alternative that could cater our
learner’s academic needs. By this, as a teacher, I am humbly asking for your assistance, as a guardian or a
parent, to help us and your child to meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling. As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners
on how to use this module, encourage and assist them as they do the tasks, and track their progress while
allowing them to manage their learnings. This learning resource hopes to engage our learners in guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help them acquire
the needed 21st-century skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances. As a teacher, I
will strive to deliver my lessons to your child and to make him/her understand and be inspired to continue
learning at all costs. May you also be encouraged to collaborate and grow with us for the betterment of our
learners. Always be grateful and thank the Lord for better days. Keep safe and always be healthy.

The following are some reminders in using this learning module:

1. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it. If you encounter any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone. We hope that through this learning material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies.
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 Introduction

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the Ethnocentrism and
Cultural Relativism. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The
language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course.

Learning Objectives

After going through this learning module, you are expected to:

1. Explain the meaning of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism;

2. Appreciate and recognize one’s own cultural identity;
3. Reconcile the perspectives of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism;
4. Analyze situations in the Philippines where cultural relativism must be practiced through a Case Study; and;
5. Observe manifestations of ethnocentrism in different societies by constructing a data retrieval chart.

What I Know

Before we proceed to our lesson proper let us check first your prior knowledge about this lesson by answering
the following questions below.

A. MULTIPLE CHOICES

Directions: Read and analyze each item carefully. Underline the letter of the correct answer.

1. It assumes that each society has a unique and different form of culture that cannot be judged into one’s own
culture.

A. Ethnocentric View
B. Cultural Relativism
C. Historical Particularism
D. Participant Observation

2. James Rachel made a critical position about accepting cultural relativism. Which among the following is
NOT part of his claims about this perspective?

A. Moral progress is always questionable.

B. Objective criticism of one’s own culture is shallow.
C. Moral progress is slow because of acceptance of other’s culture.
D. Rightfulness of an action within a society is primarily determined by the moral standards of that society.

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3. American former President Donald Trump made a “Pocahontas” joke at a ceremony honoring Navajo native
veterans. If were a cultural relativist, what advice would you give to Donald Trump? Tell him that ___________.

A. different societies have different moral codes.

B. there are no moral truths that always holds for all people.
C. the moral code of a society determines what is right or wrong within the society.
D. All of the above.

4. What strategy are you using when you take into account another person’s thoughts, values, background,
and perspectives while you interact with him/her?

A. Common Courtesy
B. Empathy
C. Paraphrasing
D. Social decentering

5. The dominant belief that one's culture is superior to others is called _________________.

A. Assuming Similarity
B. Enculturation
C. Ethnocentrism
D. Stereotyping
LESSON 1
ETHNOCENTRISM AND CULTURAL RELATIVISM

You learned the concepts and theories in Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science in the previous
module. These new understandings will equip you to have a better perspective on our society especially in
dealing with cultural and societal issues.

The idea of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism challenges the pillars of anthropology and sociology in
terms of universality and common awareness. In this module, you will learn that reconciling ethnocentrism and
cultural relativism requires rigorous analysis in decision-making and critical thinking.

What’s In

ACTIVITY #1 : LOOP-A-TERM!

To prove your understanding from the past lesson, you should be ready to accomplish
this task. You may do the following.

Directions:
1. The 10 words listed below are S N S C I T I L O P M S hidden
inside the grid. These words can run on all
E O D F C U L T U R E F
possible directions – horizontally, vertically
or diagonally. R R C D Q H A P A C H E
O M X I R E W O P C H I
2. Locate the words and circle them as you
find them. M A N G E R S E S C J L
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S A G C M O Y R W J L B
K O L O E G A U G N A L
 SOCIETY
MAN
MORES
CULTURE
POWER
LAWS
LANGUAGE
POLITICS
BELIEFS
NORM

What’s New

Analyze the words and phrases listed inside the box as they will enable you to gain
an easier understanding and deeper appreciation of this lesson.

Cultural
Luis JorgeRelativism Ethnocentrism
De Barbuda published FilipinoChina
a map in 1584 showing Ethnocentrism Identity
as the center of the world. Analyze
the map and answer the guide questions in the answer sheet.

Figure 1. A new description of China, once called the region of Sina, by Ludovicus
Georgius (Courtesy of Wikimedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CEM- 11-
Chinae-nova-descriptio-2521.jpg

Guide questions: Write your answer on the lines provided.

1. What can you say about the picture?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. What does the map tell you about how the Chinese see themselves in relation to the world?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

What Is It

The concept of Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism has been a critical issue of morality in
our society for a long period of time. With the complexities of these topics, it is helpful to analyze the
points of view of experts regarding this concern.

Ethnocentrism

The world ethno comes from the Greeks and it refers to a people, nation, or cultural grouping.
Centric, on the other hand, comes from Latin and refers to the "center" The term ethnocentrism then
refers to the tendency of each society to place its own culture patterns at the center of things.
Ethnocentrism is the practice of comparing other cultural practices with those of one's own and
automatically finding those other cultural practices to be inferior. In other words, it is the act of
evaluating other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of
one's own culture.

Ethnocentrism a term coined by William Graham Sumner. It is the belief that your native
culture is the most natural or superior way of understanding the world. This leads to making incorrect
assumptions about others' behavior based on your own norms, values, and beliefs. For instance, any
time you think of another culture's traditional food as weird or gross, that's a product of
ethnocentrism.

This description of ethnocentrism suggests that the very process of what makes culture
enduring and durable also explains an equally recalcitrant attitude in the (non) appreciation of the
cultures of other people. Individuals may be unable to and have difficulty in, showing appreciation of
other cultures. This is a typical situation due to lack of information about other cultures. This lack of
information, in return, produces less understanding, which may either result to quick and culture
shock or to outright, and sometimes, lasting dismissal of the value of others' way of life. It's an
assessment of ones' culture as superior and appropriate compared to that of the others. Intriguingly,
most of us are ethnocentric in ways we rarely notice and realize. Hence, being ethnocentric means,
using our culture into a yardstick with which to measure all other cultures as good or bad, high or
low, right or queer in proportion as they resemble ours.

Sumner mentioned some characteristics of an individual with an ethnocentric view. Ethnocentric

persons -
 have a dominant cultural element which they see as superior to other cultures;
 view rigidly their own socio-economic, political, and cultural elements;
 see their cultural elements as normal and acceptable to all;
 consider in-group norms can be universalized;
 discard out-group ethnicities and cultures;
 believe that other cultures are inferior; and

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  look at other culture’s elements as inferior and unacceptable

FUNCTIONS OF ETHNOCENTRISM

The functions of ethnocentrism in maintaining order are more apparent than those which promote social
change.
 First, ethnocentrism encourages the solidarity of a group. Believing that one's own ways are the best
encourages a "we" feeling with associates and strengthens the idea that loyalty to comrades and the
preservation of the basis for superiority are important values. Positively, ethnocentrism promotes
continuance of the status quo. Negatively, it discourages change.
 Second, ethnocentrism hinders the understanding or the cooperation between groups. If the ways of
one's own group are best, there is little incentive to interact with "inferior" groups. In fact, attitudes of
suspicion, disdain, and hostility are likely to be engendered. Extreme ethnocentrism is likely to promote
conflict, as the records of past wars and religious and racial conflicts reveal.
 Third, conflict of course often leads to social change. In that sense, ethnocentrism becomes a vehicle
for the promotion of social change. It does so, however, through encouragement of its peaceful
evolution.

When do we become ethnocentric and what is our way out? Take note of the following:

1. When you judge the behavior and beliefs of people who are different from you.
Way out: To stop ethnocentric behavior, you must stop judging others who are different from you.

2. When you believe that there are primitive cultures, especially if their way of life is different from yours.
Way out: Ethnocentrism is taught. You have to unlearn that your culture is superior and all other cultures are
inferior.

3. When you believe that some cultures are backward if they lack the technology and consumerism of your
own culture.
Way out: Remember that there are no primitive or backward cultures. All cultures provide their members with
the means for meeting all human needs.

It can be seen in Philippine society that ethnocentrism is still emerging. The sense of identity seems to be a
contributing reason for this. It goes deeper in our history that the mixture of different cultures has created
several identity marks resulting in our diverse cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Also, our
indigenous culture can be categorized as old, non-advanced technology with no sense of modernity.
After the primitive age, we begin to be the melting pot of Western and Oriental cultures resulting in a
shaky and complex identity attributed to us today. With this characteristic, it is very difficult to blend
this type of indigenous culture to the fast-changing society.

Chinof (2016) made some observations on how to address this growing concern on Filipino
ethnocentrism.
 Identify indigenous culture that truly reflects Filipino identity.
 Eliminate foreign influences and stick to “home-grown" practices.
 If we want to settle our identity, we must accept the good part of the foreign influences that
come to us.

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 Although colonization by the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese has caused a shift in several of our
cultural, social, political, and economic policies, it made the Philippines a single nation. Thus, the Philippines
today stands strongly behind our acceptance of our Filipino identity marked by our appreciation of foreign
influences. Truly, it is difficult to do away with these influences, because if we will totally disregard them, we will
run the risk of being left with nothing but purely our own native culture and tradition that may alienate us from
the globalized world. We need to acknowledge their part in the richness of the tapestry that is the Filipino
culture.

Cultural Relativism

Culture, just like a story, conveys different meanings and it can vary among the people who created it. It
poses a challenge to the idea that culture is the same for everyone. Also, culture like a story has a life of its
own. This notion rejects the concept of cultural universality.

According to James Rachels (2003), the following claims have all been made by cultural relativists:

Cultural relativism refers to an objective analysis

of one’s own culture – seeing and understanding of
one’s beliefs and traditions from his/her own point
of view. It also entails not to judge the practices of
others based on your own culture; hence,
respecting it in their own cultural context. For
example, you may find eating insects as an
unacceptable and a disgusting practice. However,
in Thailand, as well as parts of Central America like
Mexico, it is considered Delicacy. Instead of being
prejudiced, one can pose an interesting question
like “Why do some cultures eat fried insects?”

1. Each society has a diverse set of moral conducts.

2. The rightfulness of an action within a society is primarily determined by the moral standards of
that society.
3. There is no objective standard that can be used as a basis of comparison among societies.
4. The moral code of our own society is just part of a larger body of morality and ethical standards.
5. High tolerance among all culture must be exercised always.

However, in his critical analysis, he also posited some observations and consequences of accepting
cultural relativism.

1. It is difficult to determine if the custom of other societies is morally inferior to others.

2. The decision whether actions are right or wrong can be done just by consulting the standards of our society.
3. The idea of moral progress is always questionable.
4. The objective criticism of one’s own culture is shallow.
5. There will be no idea of moral progress because of acceptance of other’s culture.

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 The aspect of mutual respect and understanding must be observed. This is the first step towards a
deeper appreciation of one’s culture. Tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversities within the bounds of our
own moral and ethical standard can be a way to understand individual differences.

What I Have Learned

ACTIVITY #2 : WRITE IT UP!

Directions: Read and analyze each question carefully. Write your answer on the lines provided.

1. Cultural relativism tends to promote one’s own culture. Which of your ancestral culture and traditions are you
most proud of?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

2. In our divided world of perspectives and points of view, how can we maintain respect despite cultural
differences?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

3. James Rachel made some critical observations regarding cultural relativism. In the Philippines where we
highly respect cultural differences, suggest some good points that contradict Rachel’s assertions.

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

4. In our present society where some leaders use their ethnocentric ego to establish rules and authority, as a
youth, how can you uplift laws and democratic principles which should be applied equally to all, regardless of
one’s religion, political beliefs, gender, economic, and social status?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What do you think are the root causes of ethnocentric view? What can you suggest to prevent people from
having this characteristic?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Post-Assessment

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MULTIPLE CHOICES

Directions: Read each question carefully. Underline the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is an attempt to judge behavior according to its own cultural context?

A. Cultural Identity
B. Cultural Indoctrination
C. Cultural Shock
D. Culture Relativism

2. Which among the choices is TRUE about the statements on Cultural Relativism?

A. Cultural Relativism contends that judging a culture should be based on our own
standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal.

B. It understands cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context.

A. Sentence A is correct while Sentence B is incorrect.

B. Sentence A is incorrect while Sentence B is correct
C. Both Sentences are correct
D. Both Sentences are incorrect

3. Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar are said illegal immigrants and described as the “world’s most persecuted
people”. What kind of inequality is BEST described in this situation?

A. Gender inequality, because it is characterized by having some people deprived of privileges

B. Social inequality, because they experience unequal access to various resources and privileges
C. Global inequality, because a discriminatory practice in the community can cause a significant alarm in a
global scale.
D. Ethnic minority inequality, because their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are violated due
to discrimination based on their ethnicity.

4. Which among the following is NOT an original Filipino culture?

A. Eating pork adobo

B. Bayanihan practice
C. Dancing to K-POP songs
D. Watching Ramon Obusan’s shows

5. Karen used to tease her newly transferred Mangyan classmate because of his kinky hair and tanned skin.
What kind of cultural view did Karen have?

A. Culture
B. Cultural Relativism
C. Ethnocentrism
D. Society

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6. In New Zealand, broadcasters refuse to stop using Maori language despite complaints from English
speakers. Respecting the language of others is MOST significant because _____________.

A. It is used to understand each other.

B. It relates to a person’s interaction with others and the world.
C. It is the basic tool of communication and transmission of culture and is known as the storehouse of culture.
D. It is attached to the people’s historical and cultural roots which served as their identity as members of
society.

7. Understanding female circumcision as a significant rite of passage for women as opposed to a kind of
mutilation is an example of ________________.

A. Agency
B. Cultural Relativism
C. Enlightenment
D. Ethnocentrism

8. Learning to take the role of the other person gives one the ability to see the perspective of the other before
articulating or giving judgment. To do this, it is MOST important to _________________.

A. Study the cultural context where the action occurs.

B. Look into the reasoning behind any cultural element.
C. Determine the circumstances of place, time, and condition surrounding it.
D. All of the above.

9. The feeling of stress and anxiety that most people experience when encountering a culture different from
their own is referred to as ____________.

A. Acculturation
B. Culture Shock
C. Ethnocentrism
D. Enculturation

10. Who coined the term ethnocentrism which served as the foundation in social analysis of every culture?

A. Edward Tylor
B. Emile Durkheim
C. Max Weber
D. William Sumner

Additional Activities

ACTIVITY #3 : PINOY AKO, TAYO! THE ETHNOCENTRIC ENCOUNTERS

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 We cannot avoid ethnocentric views and practices because of our diverse cultural backgrounds and
limited knowledge of the culture of others. You can clearly see some of these common manifestations of
ethnocentrism in your own community. To have a clear grasp of this concept, you perform this task.

You may do the following:

1. Think of Filipino ethnocentric practices you have encountered in your community or in your life.
2. You can present these observations through a semantic web.

Filipino
Ethnocentrism

Guide questions: Write your answer on the lines provided.

1. What did you discover when you did your task?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Did you share what you personally encountered in your community?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What did you feel when you encountered these situations? How do you think these ethnocentric practices
can be eliminated from our Filipino values system?

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________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

4. As a student, what plan can you suggest to prevent the spread of these observable practices in your
community?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

References

Websites:

https://www.slideshare.net/Kimjoonmyeon21/social-groups-and-socialorganiza
http://anthologyoi.com/the-four-fields-of-anthropology/
https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/intro/fields.html
https://www.managementstudyguide.com/political-science.html

Prepared by:

MS. JARED B. LAGNASON

SUBJECT TEACHER

Checked by:

DR. JOSEPHINE M. TABAL

ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

Noted by:
SR. JOSEPHINE D. ATIVO, A.R. Ph.D
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

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