What does "cultural relativism" encourage?

Cultural relativism encourages understanding cultures without judgment. This concept is fundamental in anthropology, as it emphasizes the importance of viewing cultures in their own contexts rather than through the lens of another culture. By advocating for this perspective, cultural relativism helps to foster appreciation and respect for the diversity of cultural practices and beliefs. It allows anthropologists and learners to study and analyze cultural phenomena from the viewpoint of the people within that culture, which can lead to greater insights and a more nuanced appreciation of human societies.

In contrast to this correct answer, the other choices reflect approaches that do not align with the principles of cultural relativism. For instance, comparing all cultures based on one standard implies a hierarchical viewpoint that ranks cultures, which contradicts the essence of cultural relativism. Promoting one's own culture over others also goes against the idea of understanding and valuing different cultural practices, as it creates a bias that elevates one culture at the expense of others. Thus, the encouragement of non-judgmental understanding is central to the practice and philosophy of cultural relativism.