Cultural Relativism in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism, a foundational concept in the field of cultural anthropology and frequently explored in literature, emerged as a response to ethnocentrism, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity of cultural values and practices. This perspective posits that one should assess and understand a culture within its own context, refraining from making universal judgments.

The term “cultural relativism” was popularized by Franz Boas in the early 20th century, but its roots trace back to Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu.

In literature, cultural relativism often serves as a lens through which authors examine the complexities of cross-cultural interactions, moral dilemmas, and the fluidity of identity, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity and its implications for individuals and societies.

Meanings of Cultural Relativism

Aspect	Meaning
Cultural Subjectivity	Cultural relativism asserts that cultural values, beliefs, and practices are subjective and should be understood within their specific cultural context, avoiding universal judgments.
Ethnocentrism Counterpoint	It serves as a counterpoint to ethnocentrism, challenging the notion that one’s own culture is superior and highlighting the need for a more open-minded, non-judgmental perspective.
Franz Boas and Anthropological Roots	Popularized by Franz Boas in the early 20th century, cultural relativism has deep roots in anthropology and is a fundamental concept in the field.
Literary Exploration	In literature, cultural relativism is a lens through which authors explore cross-cultural interactions, moral dilemmas, and the complexity of identity, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.

Definition of Cultural Relativism as a Theoretical Term

Cultural relativism, as a theoretical term, posits that cultural norms and values are context-specific and should be understood without imposing external judgments. It emphasizes that there are no universal moral or ethical standards applicable to all cultures, and that each culture’s practices and beliefs should be assessed within its own cultural framework.

This perspective, originating in anthropology and social sciences, highlights the importance of cultural diversity and the avoidance of ethnocentrism in the analysis of different societies.

Cultural Relativism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Work	Arguments
Franz Boas	– Franz Boas is often considered the “father of modern anthropology” and wrote extensively on cultural relativism.	– Boas argued that cultures should be studied in their specific context, avoiding ethnocentrism. He emphasized the importance of understanding cultural practices and beliefs from an insider’s perspective, contributing to the development of cultural relativism as a fundamental concept in anthropology.
Ruth Benedict	– Her book Patterns of Culture (1934) is a seminal work that discusses cultural relativism.	– Benedict argued that cultures have their own unique patterns and that judgments based on one’s own cultural standards are inappropriate. She highlighted the diversity of human cultures and the need for open-minded, non-judgmental analysis.
Clifford Geertz	– Geertz’s essay Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture (1973) is a significant contribution to the understanding of cultural relativism.	– Geertz emphasized the need to interpret cultural practices and symbols in their local context, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of cultural phenomena. His work highlighted the interpretive nature of cultural analysis.
Edward Said	– In his book Orientalism (1978), Said critiqued Western representations of the Orient.	– Said argued that Orientalism, a Eurocentric perspective on the Middle East and Asia, was a product of cultural bias and should be examined through a cultural relativist lens. He raised questions about how cultural knowledge is constructed and the power dynamics inherent in cultural representations.

Cultural Relativism and Literary Theories

Cultural relativism is relevant to several literary theories, as it informs and enriches the analysis of literature by emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural context and avoiding ethnocentrism. Here are some literary theories in which cultural relativism is particularly relevant:

1. Postcolonial Theory: Relativism of culture is closely connected to postcolonial theory, as it helps examine how colonial powers often imposed their cultural values and norms on colonized societies. Postcolonial literature frequently explores the clash of cultures, power dynamics, and the impact of colonialism, all of which can be analyzed more effectively through a cultural relativist lens.
2. Feminist Theory: It is pertinent to feminist literary theory, especially when analyzing works from diverse cultural backgrounds. It allows for a nuanced understanding of gender roles, expectations, and the cultural variations in how women’s experiences are portrayed and perceived in literature.
3. Reader-Response Theory: It plays a crucial role in reader-response theory, as it acknowledges that readers bring their own cultural backgrounds and perspectives to the interpretation of a text. This theory highlights that readers from different cultural contexts may derive varying meanings and interpretations from the same literary work.
4. Postmodernism: Postmodern literature often blurs the boundaries between different cultures and challenges traditional notions of cultural identity. It provides a framework for exploring these intercultural connections and the way postmodern texts embrace cultural diversity.
5. Comparative Literature: Comparative literature, by its nature, involves the study of literature from different cultures. Cultural relativism is essential in this field, as it encourages scholars to approach each work on its own terms, respecting the cultural context in which it was produced. It allows for a more authentic comparison that considers cultural nuances.
6. Narrative Theory: Narrative theory often explores how cultural norms and values shape the structure and content of narratives. Cultural relativism helps in understanding how different cultures construct and interpret narratives, including the role of storytelling within a given culture.
7. Historical Context and Cultural Allusions: Literary works are often enriched with cultural allusions, historical references, and symbols specific to the time and place in which they were created. Cultural relativism aids in decoding these elements, enabling readers to appreciate the depth and significance of such references.

Cultural Relativism in Literary Criticism

Novel	Cultural Context	Critique
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe	Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the novel presents the Igbo culture and its traditions.	Applying cultural relativism to “Things Fall Apart” allows readers to understand the complexities of Igbo society without imposing Western standards. It helps in appreciating the protagonist, Okonkwo, within his cultural context, even when his actions clash with Western moral values. However, it can be critiqued for not adequately addressing the harmful aspects of the culture, such as gender inequalities and harsh punishments.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan	This novel explores the lives of Chinese-American women and their immigrant mothers.	It highlights the intergenerational cultural clashes and the nuances of the characters’ experiences as Chinese-Americans. It encourages readers to understand the pressure of living between two cultures, the significance of family and heritage, and the conflicts that arise due to differing cultural values. However, critics may argue that cultural relativism might romanticize certain aspects of the Chinese culture, ignoring potential criticisms or harmful traditions.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini	The novel takes place in Afghanistan, offering insight into the cultural and historical complexities of the country.	Applying it to “The Kite Runner” helps readers empathize with the characters’ experiences and the impact of Afghan culture on their lives. It allows for a deeper understanding of the social hierarchies, the influence of Pashtunwali (the Pashtun tribal code), and the lasting effects of the Soviet-Afghan war. However, some critics might argue that cultural relativism could downplay or justify certain problematic behaviors and traditions depicted in the novel.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy	This novel is set in India and explores the caste system, social norms, and family dynamics.	Cultural relativism in the context of “The God of Small Things” helps readers appreciate the intricacies of the Indian caste system and the characters’ struggles with societal norms and expectations. It allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ choices and the consequences they face within their cultural context. However, some critics may argue that cultural relativism can obscure the injustices and inequalities within the caste system, potentially normalizing or justifying them.

In each of these novels, applying cultural relativism can enhance our understanding of the characters and their cultural backgrounds. However, it’s important for literary critics to balance cultural relativism with a critical lens that acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects of the cultures depicted, avoiding the risk of romanticizing or overlooking problematic elements.

Suggested Readings

1. Appiah, Kwame Anthony. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.
2. Benedict, Ruth. Patterns of Culture. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1934.
3. Boas, Franz. Race, Language, and Culture. University of Chicago Press, 1940.
4. Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books, 1973.
5. Lutz, Catherine A., and Lila Abu-Lughod, editors. Language and the Politics of Emotion. Cambridge University Press, 1990.
6. Nussbaum, Martha C. The Fragility of Goodness: Luck and Ethics in Greek Tragedy and Philosophy. Cambridge University Press, 1986.
7. Pojman, Louis P., and Lewis Vaughn. Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong. Wadsworth, 2011.
8. Shweder, Richard A., and Robert A. LeVine, editors. Culture Theory: Essays on Mind, Self, and Emotion. Cambridge University Press, 1994.