ethnocentrism

[ eth-noh-sen-triz-uhm ]

noun

1. Sociology. the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.
2. a tendency to view other ethnic or cultural groups from the perspective of one's own.

ethnocentrism

/ ˌɛθnəʊˈsɛnˌtrɪzəm /

noun

1. belief in the intrinsic superiority of the nation, culture, or group to which one belongs, often accompanied by feelings of dislike for other groups

ethnocentrism

1. The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others and is the standard by which all other cultures should be measured.

Notes

Early social scientists in the nineteenth century operated from an ethnocentric point of view. So-called primitive tribes, for example, were studied by anthropologists to illustrate how human civilization had progressed from “savage” customs toward the accomplishments of Western industrial society.

Derived Forms

• ˌethnocenˈtricity, noun
• ˌethnoˈcentrically, adverb
• ˌethnoˈcentric, adjective

Other Words From

• eth·no·cen·tric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnocentrism¹

First recorded in 1905–10; ethno- + cent(e)r + -ism

Example Sentences

What pride and self-confidence are to the individual, ethnocentrism, patriotism, local loyalty are to social unities.

From Project Gutenberg