What does "ethnocentrism" refer to?

Prepare for the AICE Sociology Exam with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations, helping you gear up for your exam successfully!

Ethnocentrism refers to the tendency to judge another culture based on the values and standards of one's own culture. This concept emphasizes how individuals often view their cultural norms as superior and use them as a benchmark to evaluate other cultures. As a result, ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of cultural practices that differ from one’s own, fostering prejudice and stereotyping against those cultures.

This is distinct from understanding and appreciating cultural differences, which involves recognizing the value and significance of varied cultural practices without bias. Embracing global cultural practices highlights an openness to integrating aspects from different cultures, while promoting multiculturalism involves actively supporting and celebrating diversity within a society. In contrast, ethnocentrism tends to create barriers to such understanding and appreciation.

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