Ethnocentrism

Introduction

Ethnocentrism is a term applied to cultural or ethnic biases.

In terms of social science and anthropology, it simply means believing one’s own culture superior and comparing other cultures with reference to their own standards, beliefs, practices and customs, hence, considering others as inferior. Ethnocentrism creates a social difference between ingroup : meaning one’s own group and outgroup : meaning another cultural group. It results in cultural prejudice and discrimination. It signifies high regard of one’s ingroup according to Sumner.

Origin and development

The word Ethnocentrism is derived from two Greek words, ‘ethnos’ meaning nation and ‘kentron’ meaning centre, thus literally meaning a particular ethnic group (nation) is in the centre. The concept of ethnocentrism was first coined by Polish Socialist Ludwig Gumplowicz in his books and papers written in German and Polish in the 1870s. However, Willian Graham Sumner adopted and popularised the concept but did not acknowledge the work of Gumplowicz on ethnocentrism, so later researchers believed and credited Sumner for inventing the concept in 1906.

Ethnocentrism in social science

As an individual we are born in a certain cultural environment, we get an idea of our norms, we develop a perspective on how we should behave and practise our customs. We get extremely attached to our own group, believing it to be the best. Ethnocentrism in terms of social science simply means judging other cultural or ethnic groups with reference to their own cultural or ethnic group, keeping one’s superior. It is a concept of social differentiation which is universal among human beings promoting solidarity within the group, according to Political and Social Science Professor, William G. Sumner.

Causes

• Perception of background history − It is believed that one's own ethnic group has superior background history thus considering themselves as superior in every aspect of life. It resulted in unfavourable competition between groups.

• Lack of real life contact − According to Sociologists, this can enhance the stereotyping as lack of real life contact gives a narrower chance to understand the members of other groups.

• Fewer individual resources − Realistic Conflict theory assumes the scarcity of resources develop conflict between the group triggering ethnocentrism.

• Political and economic domination − One or more ethnic groups dominating other groups politically or economically created a negative attitude towards each other.

• Strong Identification. − As per Social identity approach, some individuals are dependent on strong identification with the group developing negative feelings towards other groups.

Effects

Ethnocentrism is positive for ingroup as it increases the feeling of group cohesiveness (togetherness), patriotism, loyalty towards group and sense of pride. On the other hand it is a big social problem as it hinders in building harmonious relations with other ethnic groups

There are some more negative effect like

• Occurrence of minor or violent conflicts between different ethnic groups

• Ethnic agenda overpowering national agenda thus narrowing national motto

• Employment biasness, hindering peace of nation

• Barrier to intercultural communication

• Problematic in distribution of resources

• Negative psychological effects in the members of ethnic groups like feelings of fear, depression, anger, anxiety, ignorance, etc.

Ethnocentrism and racism

Ethnocentrism and racism are two social evils often considered same as extreme levels of both can have violent and offensive consequences but they are two different concept. The former is linked with the ethnicity of a group, the members share common belief, practices, custom and tradition; while the latter is related to biological realities. Ethnocentrism is keeping the whole cultural group above other irrespective of skin colour and physical features of the member. On the other hand, racism is promoting difference on the basis of colour and physical feature in spite of similarity in culture and behaviour.

Conclusion

Originally invented by L. Gumplowicz (1870s) and popularised by W.G. Sumner (1906) the concept of ethnocentrism is a social belief of keeping one’s group in the centre and looking at the world with their own cultural perspective. It is an important concept for studying social and cultural relations among different groups originated due to competition, similarity and differences. It is a two faced coin having both negative as well as positive effects. One side creates unity and peace within the group and the other side introduces discrimination, prejudices and stereotyping.

FAQS

Q1. What is Cultural relativism?

Ans. Cultural ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own cultural norms and attitude is superior to others while cultural relativism means understanding others' culture by their own perspective instead of one’s own preconception.

Q2. What is economic ethnocentrism?

Ans. Economic ethnocentrism is a discriminatory measure on the labour market, linked to economic competitor. It is the tendency of consumers to prefer domestic goods over imported goods.

Q3. What are two kinds of ethnocentrism?

Ans. Ethnocentrism can be of two kinds

• Intragroup ethnocentrism- this includes devotion to one's own group and group togetherness.

• Intergroup ethnocentrism- it is preferring ingroup ethnicity over outgroup ethnicity to maintain purity and exploitation of outgroup if it is in the interest of ingroup.