Ethnocentrism

Definition

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture or ethnic group is superior to others. It often leads individuals to judge other cultures based on their own cultural standards, which can result in misunderstandings, prejudice, or conflict. Ethnocentrism can also facilitate social cohesion by strengthening cultural identity, reinforcing cultural traditions and values, and contributing to solidarity within a cultural group.

Example

Imagine a person from Country A who has always lived in a society where punctuality is highly valued. They travel to Country B, where social interactions are more relaxed and time is not viewed as strictly. When they meet someone from Country B who arrives 30 minutes late to a meeting, the person from Country A might think that the other person is disrespectful or unprofessional, simply because their cultural norms around time differ.

Why it Matters

Ethnocentrism matters because it can create barriers to understanding and appreciating different cultures. It often leads to discrimination, stereotyping, and the marginalization of people who don’t fit into one’s own cultural expectations. On the other hand, ethnocentrism can also contribute to stability and social cohesion within a society.

See Also

• Culture
• Cultural Relativism