Ethnocentric: meaning, definitions and examples
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ethnocentric
[ ˌɛθnoʊˈsɛntrɪk ]
viewpoint belief
Ethnocentric refers to the belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, often resulting in the evaluation of other cultures from the perspective of one's own. This perspective can lead to prejudice and discrimination against those who are perceived as different.
Synonyms
bigoted, culturally biased, narrow-minded.
Examples of usage
- His ethnocentric views made it difficult for him to appreciate other cultures.
- The ethnocentric attitude of the colonizers negatively impacted the indigenous populations.
- Ethnocentric beliefs can hinder international cooperation and understanding.
Translations
Translations of the word "ethnocentric" in other languages:
🇵🇹 etnocêntrico
🇮🇳 जातीयकेंद्रित
🇩🇪 ethnozentrisch
🇮🇩 etnosentris
🇺🇦 етноцентричний
🇵🇱 etnocentryczny
🇯🇵 エスノセントリック
🇫🇷 ethnocentrique
🇪🇸 etnocéntrico
🇹🇷 etnosentrik
🇰🇷 민족 중심의
🇸🇦 اثنوسنتري
🇨🇿 etnocentrický
🇸🇰 etnocentrický
🇨🇳 民族中心主义的
🇸🇮 etnocentričen
🇮🇸 þjóðernismiðaður
🇰🇿 этноцентристік
🇬🇪 ეთნოცენტრიული
🇦🇿 etnosentrik
🇲🇽 etnocéntrico
Etymology
The term 'ethnocentric' is derived from the combination of 'ethno-', meaning 'nation' or 'people,' and 'centric', meaning 'centered around'. It was first introduced in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of anthropology and the study of different cultures. The concept suggests that individuals often place their own culture at the center of their worldview, interpreting other cultures in relation to their own standards and values. These ideas gained significant traction in social sciences, especially during the post-colonial period, highlighting how such perspectives can lead to harmful stereotypes and a lack of cultural sensitivity. Over time, critiques of ethnocentric viewpoints emerged, advocating for cultural relativism, which promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures without bias.