Which concept is the idea that individuals are limited to their own cultural values and have little ability to appreciate other viewpoints?

• A. Ethnocentrism
• B. Culture Bound
• C. Acculturation
• D. Enculturation

Answer: (B)

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior and the standard by which others should be judged. When someone is ethnocentric, they interpret other people’s beliefs, practices, and values through the lens of their own culture and have a limited ability to appreciate viewpoints that differ. This bias can hinder culturally competent care because it may lead to misunderstandings, disrespect, or incorrect assumptions about others’ behaviors and needs.

In contrast, culture-bound describes ideas or practices confined to a specific culture and not universal, which can limit how those ideas are applied elsewhere but doesn’t express a judgmental stance about other cultures. Acculturation refers to adopting the cultural traits of another group, while enculturation is the process of learning and internalizing one’s own culture.