Which term describes judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture, often devaluing them?

Which term describes judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture, often devaluing them?

• A. Intelligence
• B. Educational Achievement
• C. Ethnocentrism
• D. Labelling

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture and often treating them as inferior. This stance is called ethnocentrism. It happens when people believe their own ways of life—values, norms, and practices—are correct or superior and use those standards to measure and devalue other cultures. Because of this mindset, differences are not understood on their own terms but rated against one’s own beliefs, leading to bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. In sociology, it’s useful to contrast ethnocentrism with cultural relativism, which asks us to view beliefs and practices within their own cultural context rather than through our own lens. Intelligence or Educational Achievement aren’t about judging cultures; they concern cognitive ability or educational attainment. Labelling focuses on assigning categories or stereotypes to individuals or groups, not on evaluating entire cultures by one culture’s standards.

The main idea here is judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture and often treating them as inferior. This stance is called ethnocentrism. It happens when people believe their own ways of life—values, norms, and practices—are correct or superior and use those standards to measure and devalue other cultures. Because of this mindset, differences are not understood on their own terms but rated against one’s own beliefs, leading to bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. In sociology, it’s useful to contrast ethnocentrism with cultural relativism, which asks us to view beliefs and practices within their own cultural context rather than through our own lens.

Intelligence or Educational Achievement aren’t about judging cultures; they concern cognitive ability or educational attainment. Labelling focuses on assigning categories or stereotypes to individuals or groups, not on evaluating entire cultures by one culture’s standards.