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Ethnocentrism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture or ethnic group is superior to others, often leading to judgment of other cultures based on one’s own standards.

ethnocentrism

/ˌɛθnoʊˈsɛnˌtrɪzəm/ /ˌɛθnəʊˈsɛntrɪzəm/

Definition:

Evaluating other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture.

Synonyms:

cultural bias, chauvinism, prejudice, parochialism

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

cultural relativism, open-mindedness

Common Collocations:

cultural ethnocentrism, extreme ethnocentrism, overcome ethnocentrism

Derivatives:

ethnocentric, ethnocentrically

Usage Tips:

Avoid ethnocentrism by respecting diverse cultural perspectives and practices.

Common Phrases:

"cultural blinders, " "us versus them mentality"

Etymology:

From Greek 'ethnos' (nation) + 'kentron' (center), coined in early 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. Her ethnocentrism made her dismiss foreign traditions as inferior.
  • 2. Teachers should discourage ethnocentrism to foster global understanding.
  • 3. His ethnocentrism blinded him to the value of multiculturalism.
  • 4. Ethnocentrism often leads to misunderstandings between different societies.

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