SOC ∙ Ms. Wiley ∙ Body Modification & Culture, D___
Name:
Body Modification Background:
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Body modification is the deliberate altering of physical appearance. It has taken
place in all cultures throughout time and space.
Modifications can be done for cultural reasons (a rite of passage, to display group
membership, affiliation, or social class, etc.), aesthetics, religious reasons, to create
body art, or for self-expression.
In some cultures the modification is an individual choice, while in others there are
may be serious consequences for refusing to take part in the tradition.
Modifications typically cause pain, though the pain inflicted can vary greatly.
(Example: FGM vs. ear piercing)
ETHNOCENTRISM VS. CULTURAL RELATIVISM
Ethnocentrism
Cultural Relativism
Definition
The practice of judging all other cultures by one’s own culture.
The belief that the behaviors and customs of any culture must
Ethnocentrism is based on the assumption that one’s own way
be viewed and analyzed by the culture’s own belief set, social
of life is superior to all others and may result in derogatory
structure, standard of beauty, etc. Cultural relativism
stereotypes that ridicule others. Traditionalists are more likely
encourages respect and understanding for cultural difference
to be ethnocentric, as they believe in universal morality.
and diversity but can also result in the acceptance of
[perceived] human rights violations (e.g. FGM). Progressives
are more likely to be cultural relativists, as they tend to believe
that morality is relative and depends on the culture.
View Towards Body Modification of other Cultures
If one is ethnocentric, they will tend to view the customary
If one supports cultural relativism, they will tend to view the
body modifications of other cultures as inferior to those that
customary body modifications of other cultures as logical,
their own culture endorses and sometimes immoral.
relative to the standards of each particular culture.
Body Modification Examples:
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Long necks (Kayan people of Burma and Northern Thailand)
Breast ironing (a West African practice; prevalent today in Cameroon)
Foot binding (common in China for centuries up until mid-20th century)
Lip plate (common in Africa and Americas since ancient times; some
African tribes continue the practice today)
Human tooth sharpening (common in Africa and Americas since ancient
times; some African and Asian peoples continue the practice today)
Corsets (common in Europe and America until 19th century)
Teeth straightening—braces (common today in the developed world)
Cosmetic plastic surgery (common today in the developed world)
Tanning (common today in America)
Your Task:
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Choose three of the examples above and research the following:
a) History of the practice
b) Why it was/is done (cultural, religious, and/or economic reasons)
c) The process/procedure for the modification
d) Effects, good and bad
Be sure to use credible sources to ensure your information is accurate
Reflect on the following:
e) What a cultural relativist vs. ethnocentrist would say about the practice
f) Your reaction to the practice
Body Modification Example:
Summary, A-D
Ethnocentric View
Cultural Relativist View
Your Reaction/View
Body Modification Example:
Summary, A-D
Ethnocentric View
Cultural Relativist View
Your Reaction/View
Body Modification Example:
Summary, A-D
Ethnocentric View
Your Reaction/View
Cultural Relativist View