How to say 'no' to the 'cultural relativism'
A study has found that while we are generally not "too" accepting of others, our cultural norms can sometimes be the biggest obstacle to expressing our own opinions and opinions to others.
The study by the Dublin-based Institute of Cultural Studies at the University of Dublin and the Centre for the Study of Irish Culture at the National University of Ireland, Galway, surveyed over 7,000 people in Ireland about their views on topics such as racism, homophobia, feminism, and the use of violence.
It found that "credibility and trustworthiness" were two of the biggest factors that people had in regards to whether someone was an acceptable candidate for a relationship.
"In a general sense, people believe in a 'culture of respect', and we think that a cultural respect is a kind of norm.
We also think that it's good for a couple to be able to have an open conversation about their relationship, and that it can be very empowering for people to be open about who they are and what they want in a relationship," said Dr Helen T. Daly, a research associate at the Institute of Culture Studies and lead author of the study.
"We have also found that our sense of 'respectability' is an important factor in how we evaluate people."
This research shows that "cultural relativists" are often more accepting of non-white and non-Western lifestyles, but also have an interest in maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with a white person.
This research also suggests that people can be more open about the different perspectives that they have and the fact that they are not always the "right" way to approach a relationship, said Dr Daly.
She said the study showed that people were more open to discussing their personal views on a range of topics, but that this was less common among those who were "cultural, traditional, and religious" than those who are not.
She also said that the study highlighted how cultural relativism can be harmful to a relationship if it leads to a sense of being "in denial".
Dr Daly added that people often have the misconception that "being an 'unconditionalist' is the same as being 'unracist', or that 'being open minded' means being open to other cultures and ideas.
This can lead to a false sense of equality, and can contribute to a negative impact on the relationship".
The study also revealed that many people were not aware that they could be perceived as culturally intolerant if they were not willing to express themselves in ways that would be accepted by others.
It is also important to be aware that there are a number of "cultural assumptions" that people may have about other cultures, she said.
"There are certain things that we tend to take for granted, like the idea that all cultures are equal and there are no differences between them," said the professor.
"If you are a person who does not believe that, then you are not likely to engage in a healthy relationship, you are likely to be in a negative relationship."
Related Topics: diversity and inclusion, community-and-society, diversity and human rights, gender, sexuality, relationships, australia, european Union More stories from Ireland
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