Definition of Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism refers to the tendency to evaluate other cultures, beliefs, and behaviors based on the standards and values of one's own culture. Coined by sociologist William Graham Sumner in 1906, it often involves viewing one's own group as the center of everything, leading to a biased perspective that deems other cultures as inferior or strange.
Key Characteristics of Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism manifests through cultural bias, where individuals prioritize their norms as universal. It includes in-group favoritism, where one's culture is seen as superior, and out-group derogation, fostering stereotypes. This perspective can be subconscious, influenced by socialization, and varies in intensity from mild preferences to extreme prejudice.
Practical Examples of Ethnocentrism
A common example is Western ethnocentrism during colonial eras, where European powers justified imperialism by portraying non-Western societies as 'uncivilized' based on their own standards of progress. In modern contexts, it appears in media representations, such as depicting foreign foods or customs as odd, or in business practices where companies impose domestic management styles on international teams without adaptation.
Effects of Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism can promote cultural preservation and group cohesion but often leads to negative outcomes like discrimination, social conflict, and barriers to intercultural understanding. It contributes to prejudice, hindering global cooperation, and in extreme cases, fuels nationalism or xenophobia, as seen in historical events like ethnic tensions or international misunderstandings.