Franz Boas is credited with developing the concept of cultural relativism. What specific perspective made cultural relativism radical at that time?
A) taking each culture as a variation of unilineal evolution
B) applying an ethnocentric perspective to studying different cultures
C) understanding each culture on its own unique merits
D) viewing cultures exclusively through comparative ethnology

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the time when Boas developed the concept of cultural relativism, the prevailing perspective was that of ethnocentrism, which judged other cultures according to the standards of one's own culture. This made cultural relativism radical because it challenged the notion of universal standards and emphasized understanding each culture on its own unique merits, rather than through a comparative or hierarchical lens based on one's own cultural values.

Franz Boas Is Credited with Developing the Concept of Cultural