Ethnocentrism in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Ethnocentrism

Table of Contents

The term “ethnocentrism” finds its roots in two Greek words: “ethnos,” meaning “nation” or “people,” and “kentron,” meaning “center.”

Ethnocentrism, as a concept in social and cultural theory, reflects the tendency of individuals or groups to evaluate and interpret other cultures or societies from the vantage point of their own.

This evaluation often results in a biased or prejudiced perspective where one’s own cultural norms, values, and practices are considered superior or central, while those of other cultures are marginalized or perceived as deviations from the norm.

Ethnocentrism has been a subject of critical examination in anthropology, sociology, and related fields, as it can lead to misunderstandings, stereotypes, and conflicts between different cultural groups.

Meanings of Ethnocentrism

Aspect	Meanings
Cultural Superiority	Ethnocentrism involves the belief that one’s own culture, customs, and values are superior to others, often leading to a biased view of other cultures as inferior or “other.”
Judgment and Evaluation	It refers to the practice of assessing other cultures based on the standards and norms of one’s own culture, which can lead to misinterpretations, prejudice, and negative judgments.
In-Group Bias	Ethnocentrism fosters a strong sense of loyalty and favoritism toward one’s own cultural or ethnic group, potentially resulting in discrimination or exclusion of those from different backgrounds.
Cultural Relativism Contrast	It stands in contrast to cultural relativism, which emphasizes understanding and evaluating other cultures within their own cultural context, rather than using one’s own as the benchmark.
Inter-group Tensions	Ethnocentrism can fuel inter-group tensions, conflicts, and ethnocentric biases, contributing to social and cultural divisions.

Definition of Ethnocentrism as a Theoretical Term

Ethnocentrism, as a theoretical concept in sociology and cultural studies, refers to the practice of evaluating and interpreting other cultures or societies through the lens of one’s own cultural norms, values, and beliefs.

This often leads to a biased perception of one’s own culture as superior and others as inferior, resulting in judgments and prejudices. Ethnocentrism is a central concept in the examination of intercultural relations, as it highlights the potential for misunderstandings and conflicts arising from ethnocentric perspectives.

Ethnocentrism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

William Graham Sumner: Sumner, an early sociologist, discussed it as the tendency of individuals to evaluate other cultures through their own cultural values, often perceiving their own culture as superior.
Robert K. Merton: A prominent sociologist, Merton explored it in the context of deviance and social norms. He introduced the concept of “manifest and latent functions,” which suggests that ethnocentrism can have both positive and negative consequences in society.

Key Works:

William Graham Sumner’s essay “Folkways” (1906): Sumner’s work delves into the concept and its influence on social behavior and judgments.

Robert K. Merton’s book “Social Theory and Social Structure” (1949): In this book, Merton explores the manifest and latent functions of ethnocentrism, shedding light on the various ways it can impact social systems.

Arguments:

It involves the evaluation of other cultures through one’s own cultural values, often resulting in a perception of one’s own culture as superior.
Ethnocentrism can lead to prejudiced judgments and the propagation of negative stereotypes about other cultures, fostering intergroup tensions and conflicts.

Robert K. Merton’s concept of manifest and latent functions highlights that while it can reinforce cultural identity and solidarity within a group, it can also lead to negative consequences, such as discrimination and social divisions.

These theorists and their works have significantly contributed to the understanding as a key sociological concept and its impact on social interactions and cultural understanding.

Ethnocentrism and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Ethnocentrism is highly relevant in postcolonial literary theory, where it plays a central role in the exploration of the dominance of one culture or ethnicity over another. This theory examines the consequences of ethnocentrism in colonial contexts, including the imposition of the colonizer’s values and judgments on the colonized, resulting in cultural clashes and identity crises.
Feminist Literary Theory	In feminist literary theory, ethnocentrism is scrutinized in the context of how patriarchal norms and values have historically been imposed on women. This theory delves into the ethnocentric biases present in literature that have marginalized and misrepresented women and their voices, highlighting the intersection of ethnocentrism with gender biases.
Cultural Studies	Cultural studies, which explore the interplay of culture, society, and literature, often focus on ethnocentrism concerning the representation of various cultural groups within literature. This theory critiques how literary works can perpetuate stereotypes and misrepresentations rooted in ethnocentric viewpoints.
Reader-Response Theory	Ethnocentrism’s impact on the interpretation of literary texts is considered in reader-response theory. This theory examines how readers’ own cultural backgrounds and biases can shape their understanding of a text. Ethnocentric perspectives may lead readers to misinterpret or misunderstand the intended themes and messages in literature.
Poststructuralism	Poststructuralist literary theories, such as deconstruction, investigate the presence of latent biases and hierarchies in texts. Ethnocentrism can be a form of bias found in literature, and poststructuralism aims to uncover and challenge these biases, encouraging readers to question dominant cultural narratives.
Literary Realism	Ethnocentrism can be depicted in literary realism, which aims to portray the world as it is. Realist literature often reflects the biases and ethnocentrism of a particular time and place. Within the framework of literary realism, ethnocentrism can be a subject of critique and analysis.
Multiculturalism	Literature aligned with multiculturalism explores the negative impacts of ethnocentrism on diverse communities. Multicultural literature aims to represent the voices and experiences of different cultural and ethnic groups and challenges ethnocentric viewpoints.

Ethnocentrism in Literary Criticism

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: In Heart of Darkness, ethnocentrism is prominently explored through the lens of European colonialism in Africa. The novel portrays the colonizers’ ethnocentric perspective, where they consider African cultures as primitive and inferior. The work delves into the dehumanizing effects of ethnocentrism, raising questions about the moral and cultural arrogance of the colonizers.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, offers a counter-narrative to European ethnocentrism. It provides a perspective from the Igbo community in Nigeria, which experiences the destructive impact of European colonization and ethnocentric judgments. The novel critiques the ethnocentrism of the colonizers and their lack of understanding of the Igbo culture.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett: In The Help, the novel explores ethnocentrism in the context of race relations in the American South during the civil rights era. The story highlights the ethnocentric attitudes of white characters who perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices about African American maids. It also portrays the African American maids’ resistance to such ethnocentrism and their fight for recognition and justice.
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner delves into ethnocentrism within the context of the relationship between Afghanistan and the United States. It portrays the ethnocentric viewpoints held by some Afghan characters regarding American culture, contrasting them with the protagonist’s perspective as an Afghan immigrant in the United States. The novel raises questions about the impact of ethnocentrism on cultural identity and belonging.

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