Cultural relativism is a core principle in anthropology asserting that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of their own culture. Championed by Franz Boas and his students, it posits that there are no universal standards by which to judge the 'goodness' or 'badness' of a culture. Instead, each culture must be evaluated on its own terms, within its own context.

This perspective encourages anthropologists to approach other cultures without ethnocentric biases, promoting empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse human practices. It serves as a methodological tool, requiring researchers to suspend judgment and seek to comprehend the internal logic and meaning systems of a society. For example, practices like polygamy or specific dietary restrictions, which might seem strange from an outsider's perspective, are understood as rational and meaningful within their cultural framework.

While crucial for ethnographic research, cultural relativism has faced criticism, particularly regarding its potential implications for moral judgment. Critics argue that an extreme form of cultural relativism could lead to moral inaction or the acceptance of practices that violate universal human rights. However, most anthropologists distinguish between methodological relativism (understanding) and moral relativism (condoning), advocating for the former while acknowledging the complexities of ethical engagement with cultural practices.