QUESTION: What does it mean to have an ethnocentric perspective?

Why is it important to
separate value judgments from explanations in the social sciences? What question or questions
does this reading raise for you?
*What regularities can help us make sense of the cultural aspects of human development? Should
we regulate human development or should it just develop on its own?
Cultural norms are a lot like math: different formulas and methods can be used to solve a
problem but no matter which way the issue is resolved, the conclusion is either the same or
similar. People choose to solve their issues and believe in their methods for reasons such as: they
were raised, taught, or conditioned to think a certain way, because that method is what works for
them, or a mixture of the two. Notably, once we find that a specific-method, works for us, we
label it as the best way, to do things. Similarly, having an ethnocentric perspective is a lot like
following a specific math-formula because once that formula makes sense, the individual
continues to solve all similar problems in the same matter and disregards other practices. Yet,
having an ethnocentric perspective is a radical, form of this concept because the individual or
group not only believes that their method is the best way for them to make sense of the world,
but also the best way for everyone else. Having an ethnocentric perspective is believing that your
ideologies, norms, and culture are the ONLY concepts that should exist--thus, professing your
group as superior to others.
Ethnocentric perspectives are the root of unjust acts such as hate crimes, genocide, and
warfare. Occurrences like these happen due to the inability of a group to respect or accept the
existence of another. Making a distinction between value judgements and explanations is
important so that we avoid acts such as these. We must always keep in mind that our personalmorals arent universal.
For instance, in some countries [children] take on the responsibility for tending other
children at ages 5-7, which is entirely different than how we raise children in the U.S (5). In the
U.S., we would classify an act like this as child neglect or abandonment because American
culture conditions us to think that its irresponsible and absurd for parents to trust kids to take
care of other children.
We believe that maturity and responsibility are (usually) indicated by age because at a
certain age, kids are able to retain and internalize certain morals; we believe that nurturing our
children is detrimental to their development. This is why we baby our youth instead of having
them fend for themselves. Moreover, because our country is modernized, its easier for parents to
take care of their children. For instance, in other countries the parents are busy hunting and
gathering, therefore they need their children to take care of one another. In the U.S., we have the
grocery store, which is faster and more convenient. In short, we have the supply and means to
treat our children like children--whereas other countries have it harder, and therefore their kids
have to act as adults.
Again, this is why separating explanation and value judgement is important. The
explanation is a matter of circumstance: children in the U.S. take care of baby dolls while other
countries, children take care of real children. Yet, in both instances the children are learning how
to take care of another. This indicates that even though theres a distinction between cultures, the
sameness of certain, values (such as the importance of family) can be found within them all.
It seems hypocritical to judge someone elses culture because all values seem to stem
from one concept, everyone just goes about it differently. Thus, by understanding other peoples

circumstances, struggles, and the general why behind the reasons they do things, we generate a
greater understanding of our true, selves because by opening ourselves to other possibilities and
methodologies, we form questions. Do we do things a certain way because we were conditioned
to or do we genuinely feel as if our actions are our true morality?