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Eurocentrism: meaning, definitions and examples

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Eurocentrism

[ ˌjʊə.rəʊˈsɛn.trɪz.əm ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

study of history

Eurocentrism is the practice of viewing the world from a European perspective, with an emphasis on European culture, history, and values. It often involves the belief in the superiority or dominance of European civilization over others.

Synonyms

Eurocentricity, Western-centric.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Eurocentrism	Generally used to describe an ideology or perspective that emphasizes European culture and history as central and superior to other cultures. It often carries a critical or negative connotation, indicating a biased or narrow viewpoint. The curriculum has been accused of Eurocentrism, focusing mainly on European history while neglecting other parts of the world. Critics argue that the museum's collection reflects Eurocentrism, as it predominantly features European artists.
Eurocentricity	A noun that often refers to the quality or state of being centered on Europe and European culture. It can describe both subtle and overt biases in favor of European perspectives. Similar to 'Eurocentrism,' but may be used more to point out characteristics than an ideology. The Eurocentricity of the media coverage was evident in the lack of stories about non-European countries. There's a growing awareness of the Eurocentricity in academic research and an effort to include more diverse perspectives.
Western-centric	Used to describe a viewpoint that prioritizes or focuses on Western (European and North American) cultures, values, and experiences. It is also often viewed critically, though it specifically includes North America alongside Europe. The analysis was criticized for being Western-centric, overlooking the contributions from Asian and African scholars. Many Hollywood films have a Western-centric narrative, rarely showing points of view from other parts of the world.

Word

Description / Examples

Eurocentrism

Generally used to describe an ideology or perspective that emphasizes European culture and history as central and superior to other cultures. It often carries a critical or negative connotation, indicating a biased or narrow viewpoint.

The curriculum has been accused of Eurocentrism, focusing mainly on European history while neglecting other parts of the world.
Critics argue that the museum's collection reflects Eurocentrism, as it predominantly features European artists.

Eurocentricity

A noun that often refers to the quality or state of being centered on Europe and European culture. It can describe both subtle and overt biases in favor of European perspectives. Similar to 'Eurocentrism,' but may be used more to point out characteristics than an ideology.

The Eurocentricity of the media coverage was evident in the lack of stories about non-European countries.
There's a growing awareness of the Eurocentricity in academic research and an effort to include more diverse perspectives.

Western-centric

Used to describe a viewpoint that prioritizes or focuses on Western (European and North American) cultures, values, and experiences. It is also often viewed critically, though it specifically includes North America alongside Europe.

The analysis was criticized for being Western-centric, overlooking the contributions from Asian and African scholars.
Many Hollywood films have a Western-centric narrative, rarely showing points of view from other parts of the world.

Examples of usage

Eurocentrism has been criticized for ignoring the contributions of non-European cultures to world history.
Many textbooks have been accused of promoting Eurocentrism by focusing only on European achievements.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sociopolitical perspective

Eurocentrism can also refer to a sociopolitical perspective that prioritizes European interests and values, often to the exclusion of other cultures. It can manifest in policies, practices, and attitudes that favor European dominance.

Synonyms

Eurocentric bias, European-centric.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Eurocentrism	When discussing or criticizing the dominance of European culture and historical perspectives over others. This term is often used in academic and cultural critiques. The curriculum's focus on European history is a clear sign of Eurocentrism. Many scholars argue that Eurocentrism has limited our understanding of non-European societies.
Eurocentric bias	When addressing the inclination to interpret the world from a European or Western perspective, sometimes unintentionally. This term is particularly common in debates about media, education, and historical analysis. The documentary shows a strong Eurocentric bias by focusing solely on European achievements. Critics have highlighted the Eurocentric bias in the museum's exhibits.
European-centric	When describing something that is heavily focused on European viewpoints, this term can be used in both academic and everyday contexts. It often has a neutral tone, but can imply criticism based on context. The company's European-centric approach limits its global market reach. Her book offers a European-centric analysis of world history, emphasizing European contributions.

Word

Description / Examples

Eurocentrism

When discussing or criticizing the dominance of European culture and historical perspectives over others. This term is often used in academic and cultural critiques.

The curriculum's focus on European history is a clear sign of Eurocentrism.
Many scholars argue that Eurocentrism has limited our understanding of non-European societies.

Eurocentric bias

When addressing the inclination to interpret the world from a European or Western perspective, sometimes unintentionally. This term is particularly common in debates about media, education, and historical analysis.

The documentary shows a strong Eurocentric bias by focusing solely on European achievements.
Critics have highlighted the Eurocentric bias in the museum's exhibits.

European-centric

When describing something that is heavily focused on European viewpoints, this term can be used in both academic and everyday contexts. It often has a neutral tone, but can imply criticism based on context.

The company's European-centric approach limits its global market reach.
Her book offers a European-centric analysis of world history, emphasizing European contributions.

Examples of usage

The Eurocentrism of colonial powers led to the exploitation and marginalization of indigenous peoples around the world.
Decolonization movements aim to challenge Eurocentrism and promote cultural diversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "Eurocentrism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eurocentrismo

🇮🇳 यूरोकेंद्रवाद

🇩🇪 Eurozentrismus

🇮🇩 eurocentrisme

🇺🇦 євроцентризм

🇵🇱 eurocentryzm

🇯🇵 ユーロセントリズム

🇫🇷 eurocentrisme

🇪🇸 eurocentrismo

🇹🇷 Avrupamerkezcilik

🇰🇷 유로중심주의

🇸🇦 المركزية الأوروبية

🇨🇿 eurocentrismus

🇸🇰 eurocentrizmus

🇨🇳 欧洲中心论

🇸🇮 evrocentrizem

🇮🇸 evrópsk miðlægni

🇰🇿 еуроцентризм

🇬🇪 ევროცენტრიზმი

🇦🇿 avrosentrizm

🇲🇽 eurocentrismo

Etymology

The concept of Eurocentrism has its roots in the colonial era, when European powers exerted dominance over much of the world. It emerged as a result of European exploration, conquest, and colonization, leading to the spread of European culture and values. Eurocentrism has been a topic of debate and critique in academic circles, with scholars arguing for a more inclusive and diverse approach to studying history and society.