Which of the following terms is defined as the perspective that evaluates cultural practices based on their own standards?

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Prepare for the Cultural Anthropology Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple-choice questions with insights and explanations. Master the content for success!

The term that represents the perspective of evaluating cultural practices based on their own standards is cultural relativism. This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural practices within their own context and framework, rather than imposing external judgments that might be rooted in another culture’s norms or values. Cultural relativism advocates that no culture is inherently superior or inferior to another, and it encourages appreciation for the diversity of cultural expressions and beliefs.

In contrast, other terms have distinct meanings that do not align with this perspective. Ethnocentrism, for instance, involves judging another culture solely by the standards of one's own culture, often leading to misunderstandings and biases against other cultural practices. Constructivism relates more to how knowledge and understanding are constructed through social processes, rather than evaluating cultural practices. Cultural determinism suggests that culture shapes and constrains human behavior and may overlook the complexities of individual agency within cultural contexts. Thus, cultural relativism is the concept that specifically focuses on evaluating practices on their own terms.

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