Word

ethnocentrism

noun C1

/ˌɛθ.nəʊˈsɛn.tɹɪzm̩/

Meanings

noun

the tendency to judge other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture, often assuming one’s culture is superior

ethnocentrism: the tendency to judge other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture, often assuming one’s culture is s…

Definition

Ethnocentrism is the belief that your own culture is the most normal or superior and should be used to judge others.

Ethnocentrism is a way of thinking in which people view their own culture as the standard for what is correct, normal, or better. It can lead someone to judge other cultures unfairly or misunderstand their values and practices. In everyday life, it often appears as assumptions that “our way” is the only sensible way.

Examples

I caught myself slipping into ethnocentrism when I assumed my workplace etiquette was universal.
You can reduce ethnocentrism by asking how local history shapes what seems “polite” in that community.
He recognized his ethnocentrism after dismissing unfamiliar holiday traditions as pointless.
She challenged ethnocentrism in the discussion by inviting classmates to explain their own norms first.
They were trained to spot ethnocentrism in reports so the project wouldn’t impose outside assumptions.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse ethnocentrism with racism, but ethnocentrism focuses on judging cultures by one’s own cultural standards rather than on race.