Discussion Questions
Reading 24
Anthropology Explored: The Best of Smithsonian AnthroNotes, 2ndedition
SOCI1250 – Introduction to Anthropology
Gary Toth - Instructor
Cultural Relativism and Universal Human Rights (Reading 24)
Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban
1) Discuss how a cultural relativist and universal rights advocate might agree or
disagree.
2) Why do you think anthropologists speak out freely against the Holocaust and
Apartheid, but debate their stand on female genital mutilation and domestic
abuse?
3) Describe the dilemma that the author faced with respect to female genital
mutilation. What were her main reasons for passing judgment? Discuss why you
think it was such a hard decision for the author, taking into account cultural
relativism, human rights, and the notion of harm.