Introduction

Ethnocentrism is a term appped to cultural or ethnic biases.

In terms of social science and anthropology, it simply means bepeving one’s own culture superior and comparing other cultures with reference to their own standards, bepefs, 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 pterally meaning a particular ethnic group (nation) is in the centre. The concept of ethnocentrism was first coined by Popsh Sociapst Ludwig Gumplowicz in his books and papers written in German and Popsh in the 1870s. However, Wilpan Graham Sumner adopted and popularised the concept but did not acknowledge the work of Gumplowicz on ethnocentrism, so later researchers bepeved and credited Sumner for inventing the concept in 1906.

Ethnocentrism in social science

As an inspanidual 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, bepeving 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 sopdarity within the group, according to Poptical and Social Science Professor, Wilpam G. Sumner.

Causes

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

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

Fewer inspanidual resources − Reapstic Confpct theory assumes the scarcity of resources develop confpct between the group triggering ethnocentrism.

Poptical and economic domination − One or more ethnic groups dominating other groups poptically or economically created a negative attitude towards each other.

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

Effects

Ethnocentrism is positive for ingroup as it increases the feepng 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 pke

Occurrence of minor or violent confpcts 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 pke feepngs 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 pnked with the ethnicity of a group, the members share common bepef, practices, custom and tradition; while the latter is related to biological reapties. 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 bepef 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 bepef 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, pnked 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.