Ethnocentrism in psychology refers to the tendency to view one’s own cultural or ethnic group as superior and to judge other groups based on the values and standards of one’s group. It is the belief that one’s own culture is correct and superior compared to other cultures.
In essence, ethnocentrism leads individuals to use their own ethnic group and its standards to interpret and evaluate other groups, often in a negative manner.
Those who are ethnocentric assume their cultural norms are the ideal that other cultures should be measured against or aspire to.
For example, someone who is ethnocentric might believe their traditional cuisine or clothing is the proper way, and that other cultural practices are inferior or strange in comparison.
Or they may think their language should be the default spoken, rather than needing to accommodate other languages.
Ethnocentrism occurs when one believes that their own cultural group is superior to others.
Explanation
Individuals who are ethnocentric will believe that their culture’s beliefs, ideas, values, and practices are correct, and they use the standards in their own culture to assess other cultural groups.
They will tend to have negative attitudes toward other cultures and believe their beliefs, ideas, values, and practices are wrong or strange.
A popular example of ethnocentrism is to think of the utensils different cultures prefer to use. Some cultures prefer to use forks, spoons, and knives to eat and may believe that it is weird or incorrect that some cultures traditionally use chopsticks to eat.
Ethnocentrism can occur for anyone across most cultures and societies and is not limited to one culture.
It is thought to occur largely because people have the greatest understanding of their own culture, leading them to believe that the norms and standards of their own culture are universally adopted.
So, if they notice anything that deviates from their cultural norms, this can lead to ethnocentric attitudes.
Some researchers believe that ethnocentrism comprises in-group favoritism and vilification of out-groups; thus, people have a high opinion of their own group and think negatively about out-groups.
How does ethnocentrism relate to psychology?
The predominant view in psychology has been white males, mainly from the USA.
It means psychologists ignore views, values, language, or culture from elsewhere.
For example, views about the signs and symptoms of mental disorders in the DSM are based on white male experiences, so other experiences are ignored.
Views about appropriate patterns of child rearing are based on the practices shared in white, English-speaking cultures and other ways devalued.
In psychology, ethnocentrism can exist when researchers design studies or draw conclusions that can only be applied to one cultural group.
Ethnocentrism occurs when a researcher assumes that their own culturally specific practices or ideas are ‘natural’ or ‘right.’
The individual uses their own ethnic group to evaluate and judge other individuals from other ethnic groups. Research that is ‘centered’ around one cultural group is called ‘ethnocentric.’
When other cultures are observed to differ from the researcher’s own, they may be regarded negatively, e.g., ‘primitive,’ ‘degenerate,’ ‘unsophisticated,’ ‘undeveloped,’ etc.
This becomes racism when other cultures are denigrated, or their traditions are regarded as irrelevant etc.
Ethnocentrism in psychology can reduce the generalisability of findings since the researchers may not have accounted for cultural diversity.
What are the disadvantages of ethnocentrism?
While it is not necessarily bad to believe your culture is good or to be patriotic, ethnocentrism is the belief that your culture is superior, which can come with downfalls.
Ethnocentrism can lead to people being more close-minded to how other people live, almost as if they are living in a bubble of their own culture. This can reinforce the in-group/out-group mentality.
Believing that one’s own culture is correct can spread misinformation about other cultures, leading to negative consequences.
If a group upholds the belief that other groups are inferior to them, this could result in groups discriminating against each other. On an extreme scale, ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice or racism.
Upholding the sanctity of one’s own culture may hinder societal progress and may prevent cooperation between cultures.
Cultural groups may be less likely to help each other in times of need and may only seek to preserve the people in their own group whom they consider more important.
Specifically, ethnocentrism in research could result in negative consequences if the materials used for research are produced with one culture in mind.
An example of this is when the United States Army used IQ tests on individuals before World War I, which was biased towards white American ideas of intelligence.
Because of this, Europeans had lower scores of intelligence, and African Americans were at the bottom of the IQ scale.
This had a negative effect on the attitudes of white Americans towards these other groups of people, specifically that they were not as intelligent as them.
When research does not consider ethnocentrism, this can reinforce pre-existing discrimination and prevent other cultures from having equal opportunities.
Ethnocentrism examples
Ethnocentrism in samples
Some of the most famous psychological studies (such as Milgram’s, Asch’s, and Zimbardo’s) used only white American males in their samples.
Conclusions were drawn from the results that the results would be the same across all cultures. However, the results were different when these studies were replicated on other groups of people.
As these studies were conducted a long time ago, you may expect that psychological research is more culturally diverse now.
However, psychology still has a long way to go to be truly representative of all cultures. There is still a strong Western bias, with one analysis finding that 90% of participants in research are drawn from Western countries, with 60% of these participants being American (Thalmayer et al., 2021).
They go on to say that only about 11% of the world’s population is represented in the top psychology journals and that 89% of the population is neglected.
The Strange Situation
Ainsworth’s classic study of The Strange Situation (1970) is an example of ethnocentric research. This study was developed to assess the attachment types of infants – the sample in this study used all American infants.
Many researchers assumed this study has the same meaning for infants from other cultures as it did for American children. However, the results from other cultures were very different.
Most noteworthy are the differences observed in Japanese and German infants compared to American infants.
While the American ideal standard for attachment is ‘secure attachment,’ many Japanese infants displayed behaviors that would be considered ‘insecure-resistant attachment’ whilst many of the German infants displayed what would be considered ‘insecure-avoidant attachment.’
The different results from other cultures were presented as ‘abnormal’ and in need of explanation rather than considering that the differences are due to cultural differences in how children are raised.
It does not mean that German mothers are more insensitive or that Japanese mothers are too clingy to their children just because their infants react differently to American children.
The methods used in The Strange Situation are examples of imposed etic, meaning to study a culture from the outside and make inferences in relation to one culture’s standard.
More valid results could be obtained through the use of an emic study, meaning studying culture from the inside.
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Bias
Cultural bias in psychology is when research is conducted in one culture, and the findings are generalized to other cultures or are accepted as universally applicable.
Ainsworth’s research is culturally biased since standards were set regarding what securely attached means based on an American-only sample.
This theory was then generalized to other cultures so that what was considered the behavior of securely attached children in America should be what all children in other cultures should behave to be considered securely attached.
The parenting styles and behavior of their infants in cultures outside of America being seen as abnormal because it doesn’t fit the American norms is what relates cultural bias to ethnocentrism.
Another example of cultural bias relates to the designs of standardized tests such as intelligence tests. Intelligence tests that are designed by Western researchers reflect the idea of what the West considers as being intelligent.
However, Western cultures may have a different idea of what qualifies as intelligence compared to other cultures.
Thus, when using Western-designed intelligence tests in non-western countries, there is likely to be a bias in the results since the test measures something from the benchmark of different cultural experiences.
This can lead to ethnocentrism if those outside of the West score significantly lower on intelligence scores, leading to the West having the misconception that non-Western countries are less intelligent.
There are two types of cultural bias that can relate to psychological research:
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Alpha bias – this occurs when a theory assumes that cultural groups are profoundly different. Since their differences are exaggerated, the cultural norms and values of the researchers are considered superior to other cultures.
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Beta bias – this occurs when real cultural differences are ignored or minimized. All people are assumed to be the same, resulting in research that is universally applied to all cultures.
What is Cross-Cultural Psychology?
Cross-cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that examines how cultural factors influence human behavior.
The goal is to look at both universal and unique behaviors to establish the ways in which culture has an influence on behavior, relationships, education, etc.
After focusing on North American and European research for many years, Western researchers began to question whether many of the observations and ideas that were considered to be universal actually apply to other cultures outside of the sample that was studied.
Many cross-cultural psychologists have found that many observations about human thought and behavior may only be generalizable to specific groups.
An emic approach, which looks within cultures to identify behaviors that are specific to that culture, is usually the most appropriate approach to studying cross-culturally.
With the emic approach, researchers can immerse themselves fully into a culture and develop a deep understanding of their practices and values.
From this, they can develop research procedures and interpret the findings with that culture in mind. These procedures would then not be used across other cultures where they may yield invalid results.
What topics can be studied in cross-cultural psychology?
Cross-cultural psychology can explore many topics, such as:
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Child development – whether unique cultural practices influence development.
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Emotions – do all people experience emotions the same way? Is emotional expression universal?
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Language – whether the acquisition of language and its development is similar or different between cultures?
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Relationships – the differences in family, romantic relationships, and friendships that are influenced by culture.
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Personality – the degree to which aspects of personality might be influenced by or linked with cultural influences.
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Social behavior – understanding how cultural norms and expectations have an effect on social behavior.
What are the benefits of cross-cultural psychology?
By understanding what could have been cultural bias, researchers have increased their understanding of the impact of culture, cultural differences, and culture-specific behaviors.
This has had benefits when it comes to diagnosing mental illness, for example. Previously, some culture-specific behaviors were often misdiagnosed as a symptom of a disorder.
Recent issues of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) now include a list of culture-specific behaviors that help diagnose mental health issues accurately.
Modern researchers are now able to travel a lot more than they would have done in the past. They are able to have contact with people from all across the globe as well as being able to hold talks and conferences where researchers from different cultures can meet to discuss ideas.
This may mean there should be less cultural bias now since researchers from other cultures being able to talk can help grow understanding and acceptance of differences.
Researchers can also use input from people from different cultures to discuss any potential methodology flaws which can lead to cultural bias.
Ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism
| Ethnocentrism | Cultural Relativism |
|---|---|
| The belief that one’s own cultural or ethnic group is superior to others. | The principle that all cultures should be understood and evaluated on their own terms, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. |
| Views other cultures as inferior or less important. | Respects and appreciates the diversity of other cultures. |
| Uses the standards and values of one’s own culture to judge others. | Recognizes that each culture has its own unique standards and values that should be understood and respected. |
| Unwilling to learn about other cultures because they are perceived as inferior. | Open to learning about and understanding other cultures. |
| Can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and conflict between different cultural groups. | Promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and can reduce conflict between them. |
Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two ways in which we assess a culture that is not our own.
While ethnocentrism means someone may judge other cultures based on the standards of their own cultures, cultural relativism is the notion that a culture should be understood on its own terms, without judgment against the criteria of another culture.
Someone who is ethnocentric may believe that their culture is ‘correct’ and ‘normal,’ but someone who adopts cultural relativism understands that one culture is not better than another.
An example of ethnocentrism is believing that the traditional clothing of a culture other than your own is ‘strange’ or ‘incorrect.’ In contrast, cultural relativism would appreciate and accept that different cultures have their own clothing and would not make a negative judgment about someone’s clothing even if it is different from what is the norm for them.
In research, cultural relativism is the ideology that what may be observable in research may only make sense from the perspective of the observed culture and cannot be applied to different cultures.
Ethnocentrism can be avoided or reduced by studying culture using an emic approach. This approach aims to observe cultural differences in the relevant context and uses that culture’s concepts or standards.
Ethnocentric studies are not inherently invalid and should not be disregarded. Instead, researchers should make sure to point out that their research may only be applied to the sample they studied, and the application to other cultures is questionable.
Cultural Relativism in Psychology
An example of how cultural relativism is relevant in research is noted by Sternberg (1985), who stated that the meaning of intelligence is different in every culture.
They noticed that in some cultures, coordination and motor skills are essential to life, so if someone excels in these skills, they are considered highly intelligent according to that culture.
However, in other cultures, motor skills are less relevant to intelligent behaviors, and the culture instead values vast knowledge on a range of topics, such as intelligence instead.
There is the development of ‘indigenous psychologies’ in research, which draws explicitly on the unique experience of people in a different cultural context.
Afrocentrism is an example of this, which suggests that theories of people with African heritage must recognize the African context of behaviors and attitudes.
This approach matters because it has led to the emergence of theories that are more relevant to the lives and cultures of people not only in Africa but also those far removed from their African origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of ethnocentric behavior?
In psychology, ethnocentric behavior can occur when a researcher conducts a study in a particular culture and then states in their findings that their results can be generalized to all cultures.
Likewise, when researchers apply their theory to another culture, and the results differ from what was the norm in their culture, they state that there is something wrong with that culture.
Otherwise, some other examples of ethnocentric behavior include:
– Judging other cultures’ food and specialty dishes.
– Judging people’s cultural outfits.
– Expecting others to speak your language and criticizing them if they can’t.
– Historical colonialism.
– Judging someone who chooses to live on their own when it is traditional to always live with family in your culture.
What is ethnorelativism?
Ethnorelativism is the ability to see values and behaviors as cultural rather than universal.
It is a belief based on respect for other cultures, believing that all groups, cultures, or subcultures are inherently equal.
Furthermore, it is the belief that other cultures are no better or worse than one’s own but are equally valid despite their differences.
What is the difference between ethnocentrism and racism?
As ethnocentrism implicates a strong identification with an in-group, it can lead to ingrained negative feelings and stereotyping of out-group members, which can be confused with racism.
Whilst they are not the same, ethnocentrism can lead to prejudiced behaviors and attempts to impose one’s subjective culture onto other cultural groups.
Ethnocentric attitudes can lead to prejudice and discrimination based on race and the belief that one race is superior to all others.
What is the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism?
While ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior and correct compared to others, xenocentrism is the belief that other cultures are better than one’s own culture.
Essentially, xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism. In some ways, xenocentrism is considered deviant behavior as it goes against the norms of what someone is expected to appreciate.
Examples of this can include:
– The belief is that vehicles manufactured in other countries are better than ones made in your own country.
– European Renaissance artists desired to emulate ancient Greek artwork.
– The belief that cheeses and wines from other countries are superior to the products from your own country.
– The belief that the style of clothing in another culture is superior to those within your own culture.
– The idea that quality products cannot be purchased in one’s own country.
Further Information
- Teo, Thomas, and Angela R. Febbraro. “Ethnocentrism as a form of intuition in psychology.” Theory & Psychology 13.5 (2003): 673-694.
- Christopher, J. C., & Hickinbottom, S. (2008). Positive psychology, ethnocentrism, and the disguised ideology of individualism. Theory & psychology, 18(5), 563-589.
References
Hasa. (2020, February 17). What is the Difference Between Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. PEDIAA. https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-ethnocentrism-and-cultural-relativism/#:~:text=and%20Cultural%20Relativism-,Definition,using%20standards%20of%20another%20culture
Rosado, C. (1994). Understanding cultural relativism in a multicultural world. The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 15-29.
Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Implicit theories of intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. Journal of personality and social psychology, 49(3), 607.
Thalmayer, A. G., Toscanelli, C., & Arnett, J. J. (2021). The neglected 95% revisited: Is American psychology becoming less American? American Psychologist, 76(1), 116–129.
Tilley, J. J. (2000). Cultural relativism. Hum. Rts. Q., 22, 501.
