Boas himself never called his theory cultural relativism; however, his idea was labeled this in the 1950s. Boas believed that, “…societies were the result of their own unique histories…then there would be no universal yardstick to judge them. Their traits were the result of their historical and environmental circumstance and could only be understood within that context.” (McGee and Warms 2011: 114). Boas also insisted that, “…only through living with people and learning their language that one could develop an accurate understanding of culture.” (McGee and Warms 2011: 114). Boas’ interpretation of cultural relativism means that in order to understand a culture, one must not only learn the language, but also understand the historical and environmental context of which the culture was created. Although cultural relativism is key to studying and understanding different cultures; one must question when a certain practice or belief of a culture is okay to be deemed wrong, or perhaps be labeled a violation of human
Boas himself never called his theory cultural relativism; however, his idea was labeled this in the 1950s. Boas believed that, “…societies were the result of their own unique histories…then there would be no universal yardstick to judge them. Their traits were the result of their historical and environmental circumstance and could only be understood within that context.” (McGee and Warms 2011: 114). Boas also insisted that, “…only through living with people and learning their language that one could develop an accurate understanding of culture.” (McGee and Warms 2011: 114). Boas’ interpretation of cultural relativism means that in order to understand a culture, one must not only learn the language, but also understand the historical and environmental context of which the culture was created. Although cultural relativism is key to studying and understanding different cultures; one must question when a certain practice or belief of a culture is okay to be deemed wrong, or perhaps be labeled a violation of human