Cultural Relativism: Understanding Diversity on the MCAT
Why do we judge other cultures by our own standards—and why should we stop? That’s the heart of cultural relativism, a high-yield term tested in the MCAT psychology/sociology section.
This King of the Curve visual will help you visualize the difference between judgmental thinking and open cultural understanding, helping you ace any question on this concept.
🧠 What Is Cultural Relativism?
Cultural relativism is the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than comparing it to one’s own.
It promotes empathy, respect, and understanding—which are critical for future physicians working with diverse populations.
Real-World Example (from the Visual)
👧 “Try some noodles—they’re delicious!”
👦 “I’m not used to noodles. Can you tell me why you like them?”
This shows cultural relativism in action: instead of rejecting the food, the person is open to understanding the other person’s cultural perspective.
📌 Contrasting Concept: Ethnocentrism
| Concept | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Relativism | Evaluating a culture using its own values and norms rather than judging it by the standards of another culture. | "I’m curious to learn why you like this food." |
| Ethnocentrism | Evaluating other cultures based on the standards and customs of one’s own culture, often viewing others as inferior. | "That’s gross, I’d never eat that." |
🔥 MCAT Tip
Be ready to distinguish between relativism and ethnocentrism in both:
Multiple-choice questions
Passage-based scenarios involving cultural values, traditions, or health care interactions
🧠 MCAT-Style Question Example
Question:
A medical student attends a traditional healing ceremony in another country. Instead of dismissing the ritual, they observe and ask questions to understand its cultural significance. This behavior demonstrates:
A. Ethnocentrism
B. Cultural diffusion
C. Cultural relativism
D. Dispositional attribution
✅ Correct Answer: C — The student is practicing cultural relativism.
✨ Why This Blog Is Timely
Diversity in medicine is more important than ever. Understanding cultural relativism isn’t just good for the MCAT—it’s essential for inclusive, effective patient care.
Explore more MCAT-ready content:
👉 kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
👉 kingofthecurve.org/pre-med-essentials
✅ Final Thoughts
Cultural relativism helps us avoid snap judgments and encourages deeper understanding. Whether you're reviewing psych/soc content or prepping for clinical interactions, this concept is a must-know—and easier to remember with KOTC visuals.
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