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Dr. Amina Baiomy

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• Professor of Sociology

• Faculty of Arts, Fayoum University

• Sociology at Misr University for Science and Technology

• Faculty of Physical Therapy

Cultural Relativism

• Definition: Cultural relativism posits that all beliefs, customs, and ethics are relative to the individual within their social context.

• Core Concepts:

  • The moral understanding of "right" and "wrong" is culture-specific.

  • No universal moral standard exists; hence no society can judge another's customs.

• Anthropological Acceptance:

  • Cultural relativism is widely accepted in modern anthropology.

  • All cultures are viewed as valid expressions of human existence.

  • A neutral perspective is encouraged in studying different cultures.

Definitions

• Culture:

  • A: Norms and practices of a group that are learned and shared.

  • B: Learned ways of behaving communicated between groups to provide solutions to daily life problems.

Cultural Values

• Describe the individual's preferences in acting or knowing, sustained over time and governing actions or decisions.

Cultural Competence

• A mix of factors motivating the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities to care for others.

Cultural Awareness

• Appreciation and sensitivity to clients' values, beliefs, lifestyles, and problem-solving strategies.

Cultural Conflict

• A perceived threat due to misunderstandings of expectations between nurses and clients that arise from unawareness of cultural differences.

Culture Shock

• The feeling of helplessness, discomfort, and disorientation experienced when adapting to a culture different from one's own, caused by losing familiar sights, sounds, and behaviors.

Acculturation

• The process of adapting to a new or different culture.

Assimilation

• Cultural absorption of a minority group into the dominant cultural structure.

Ethnicity

• Affiliation stemming from shared linguistic, racial, or cultural backgrounds.

The Living Concept of Culture

• Culture is a set of shared and learned values, ideals, and meanings guiding behaviors, decisions, and actions.

• Rules of Behavior:

  • Explicit Rules: Visible components, e.g., clothing, jewelry, hairstyles.

  • Implicit Rules: Invisible components such as values and belief systems.

• Characteristics:

  • Material and non-material items that characterize the culture.

  • Traditional practices passed down through generations.

  • Intercultural variations exist both between and within cultures.

Communication in Culture

• Non-verbal Communication: Use of body language or gestures to send information that may not be verbally expressed.

• Verbal Communication: Use of language in words to express ideas, feelings, and describe objects.

• Stereotyping: Assigning beliefs and behaviors to a group without considering individual differences.

Features of Culture**

• A way of life

• Material possessions (e.g., flat, car, mobile)

• Socially transmitted knowledge of values, beliefs, and norms guiding thoughts and behaviors.

• Behavioral patterns linked to common ideas, attitudes, and value systems.

• "Everything that people have, think, and do as members of society."

Sick Role Theory

• Overview:

  • Introduced by sociologist Parsons.

  • It views being sick as both a biological condition and a social role, encompassing rights and duties.

• Obligations:

  • Sick individuals are expected to recover and comply with treatment regimens.

Rights and Duties in the Sick Role**

• Rights:

  • Exemption from normal social duties.

  • Not held responsible for their condition.

• Duties:

  • Must strive to recover and seek help from competent medical professionals.

Talcott Parsons

• An influential Harvard Professor of Economics and Sociology, active from 1927 to 1973.

• Founded the Department of Social Relations.

• Notable works include:

  • "The Structure of Social Action" (1937)

  • "The Social System" (1951)

  • "Social Structure and Personality" (1964)

  • "The System of Modern Societies" (1971)

  • "The Structure and Change of the Social System" (1983)

Cultural Relativism and Its Contrast

• Opposite of Cultural Relativism: Absolutism and Universalism.

  • One culture cannot be deemed higher or lower in value than another.

  • Cultural analysis should be approached from a neutral perspective.

Understanding Culture**

• Culture encompasses norms and practices guiding individuals within specific communities.

• It is a set of shared beliefs affecting thoughts and actions.

Interaction Types Between Cultures

• Intercultural Variations: Interaction between two or more cultures.

• Intrasultural Variations: Interaction within a particular culture.

Types of Communication**

1. Verbal Communication

2. Non-verbal Communication

Good Luck!

• Closing wish for students.