anthropologist Robert edgerton .?
argues that cultures should be evaluated on the vasis of the quality of life they provide their citizens. is it possible to use this standard to avoid both cultural relativism and ethnocentrism in examining cultures different from one's own? Are there qualities that all societies can agree on that would be the vasis to devolop a more culturally universal standard to judge societies?
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I believe it would be impossible to avoid either cultural relativism, or ethnocentrism, using such an evaluation because what defines the "quality of life" amongst societies often varies. It is not universal, and far from concrete, and seems an inadequate measure by which to ascertain the degree of a society, or culture. I also do not believe there are qualities all societies may agree upon due to the fact that societies are not, in themselves, homogeneous. There are those which focus on individuality, and those which focus on collectivity. They are both operating on different foundations.