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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Question In what ways is cultural relativism a valid approach to understanding different cultures, and in what circumstances might it be more appropriate or less appropriate to adopt this perspective?

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Question: "In what ways is cultural relativism a valid approach to understanding different cultures, and in what circumstances might it be more appropriate or less appropriate to adopt this perspective?"

Model Answer:

Cultural relativism is a perspective that holds that a person's beliefs, values, and customs should be evaluated and understood within the context of their own culture rather than being judged by the standards of another. This approach has both its merits and shortcomings when it comes to understanding different cultures.

On one hand, cultural relativism provides a valuable tool for promoting tolerance and acceptance among diverse societies. By recognizing that each culture's norms and values are shaped by its own unique history and environment, we can foster greater respect for other ways of life. This perspective encourages open-mindedness and mutual understanding, which is essential in our increasingly globalized world.

However, cultural relativism may also hinder the process of critical analysis and improvement within a society. If all practices are deemed acceptable based solely on their cultural context, then there is no basis for evaluating whether certain customs or norms should be changed or abolished if they are harmful to individuals or communities. This can create a barrier to addressing human rights issues, social injustice, or other forms of inequality that exist within specific cultures.

In conclusion, while cultural relativism offers an important framework for promoting respect and understanding among different societies, it must be balanced with the need to critically assess and challenge certain practices if they are harmful or unjust. As such, adopting a flexible approach that combines elements of both cultural relativism and critical analysis is likely to be most effective in truly comprehending and engaging with other cultures.

Score: Based on IELTS scoring standards, this answer demonstrates a high level of competence in the use of language (Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy) as well as an effective presentation of ideas (Task Response, Achievement of Task, Candidate's Own Ideas). This would likely receive a Band Score of 7 or 8 in the IELTS Writing Test.

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