What does "cultural relativism" refer to?

Cultural relativism is a concept that emphasizes understanding and interpreting cultures based on their own values, beliefs, and practices rather than judging them through the lens of another culture. This perspective is important in anthropology and sociology because it encourages an appreciation for diversity and fosters tolerance by recognizing that behaviors and practices cannot be deemed good or bad universally; instead, they should be evaluated within their specific cultural context. This approach helps to break down ethnocentric views that consider one's own culture as the standard against which others are measured.

The other options present contrasting ideas. The notion of a single, global culture suggests a homogenization of cultural practices, which runs contrary to the essence of cultural relativism that advocates for the uniqueness of each culture. The idea of cultural superiority implies that some cultures are inherently better than others, which directly contradicts the principles of cultural relativism that promote equal value among different cultural practices. Lastly, rejecting all cultural norms is an extreme stance that overlooks the value and context of understanding cultural practices—cultural relativism seeks to appreciate and understand those norms rather than dismissing them outright.