Module 08 Course Project - Rough Draft Due

Name:

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Course Project: Thesis and Outline

Thesis Statement: Within the theoretical frameworks of functionalism and conflict theory, the paper will investigate the thesis, "Cultural relativism promotes solidarity and stability within a multicultural environment but impedes cultural growth".

I. Globalization

A. Cultural relativism - cultural relativism's proposition that a human being should be judged according to his or her cultural context is one that could downplay the negative consequences of some cultural practices. Culture is not stagnant but changes to keep up with the changing times. Using the two theories can help understand the dynamics of cultural interaction in a globalized world.

B. A globalized world - the major consideration is globalization and its influence on culture. Globalization has created vast opportunities for vast societies to interact. This is an unprecedented shift in human interaction brought about by developments in communication technology. However, this interaction of different cultures has led to an increased significance of cultural understanding because different cultures have different practices by which the people in these cultures live their lives. To avoid the negative consequences of multicultural interaction, cultural relativism has emerged in the past as a means of ensuring people respect other people’s cultures (Macionis, 2012).

II. Technology

A. Communication technology and increase in cultural interaction – provides a new means of cultural interaction. Technology has made globalization possible and, therefore, understanding how technology influences cultural understanding can help show whether cultural relativism is improving intercultural communication.

B. Convergence and divergence – this refers to whether globalization will produce increasing cultural diversity or cultures will merge and lead to less cultural diversity. Either case has significant implications for cultural interactions.

III. Cultural Diversity and Conflict

A. Conflict theory vs. functionalism – based on the research conducted, the two theories will inform an analysis of the link between cultural diversity and conflict or lack thereof (Ferraro & Andreatta, 2011).

Conclusion: Through a study of globalization, the influence of technology on culture and the potential for conflict or lack thereof when cultures converge or diverge, it is possible to make conclusions about how “cultural relativism promotes solidarity and stability within a multicultural environment but impedes cultural growth".

References

Ferraro, G., & Andreatta, S. (2011). Cultural Anthropology: An applied perspective. Cengage

Learning.

Macionis, J. (2012). Sociology. Boston: Pearson.