Ethnocentrism

Cards (8)

  • using our own ethnic or cultural groups as a basis for judging other groups
  • Hare-Muston and Maracek
    2 types of biases
    • alpha,assumes differences between cultural groups,leading to the belief that ones own culture is superior and devaluing others
    • beta,occurs when theories overlook or downplay cultural differences
  • Example of alpha bias

    Hofstede cultural dimensions study.
    Looking at the differences between collectivist and individualistic cultures
    A self-serving bias is stronger in an individualistic culture,where independence and self-interest is excepted culturally
  • Example of beta bias

    Kohlberg
    assuming universality in concepts like moral dilemmas,overlooking differences
  • Cultural relativism
    promotes equal respect for all cultures and encourages understanding their worldview
  • cultural relativism can also result in biases
    • alpha bias,makes psychologists overlook things that are the same across all cultures,missing out on universal truths
    • beta bias,occurs when we define mental disorders,behaviours deemed normal in one culture may be pathologized in another
  • not all studies show ethnocentrism,Loftus and Palmer
    • wasnt culturally biased as memory processes are generally consistent across cultures
  • Ethnocentrism can also not always be seen as a bad thing,supporting ones own group
    overestimating ones group and undervaluing others