The Challenge of Cultural Relativism

Cultures, beliefs, and values have solid impact on developing socially acceptable behaviors and customs. When customs differ across cultures, the values often change also. When an individual examines a different culture, questions and feelings arise due to their own beliefs. The challenge of cultural relativism is to make rational decisions on what morals can be considered absolute. This is not an easy task because morals differ in every society.
Chapter 11 briefly describes some of the characteristics of the Eskimos. This culture is far different than any stereotypical nuclear family in the United States. For example, the Eskimos practice polygamy and infanticide. To many Americans these two common practices among a different culture may seem extreme. On the other hand, Eskimos feel what they do is acceptable within their own culture. The author illustrates this example as a way to demonstrate the challenge of accepting cultural relativism
As we all know, the United States is a complex system of many different cultures interacting at all times. Professionals working in the field of ethics must have a terrible time defining those absolutes in the U.S. where customs are variable. Does Cultural Relativism apply in our country?