Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Ethnocentrism is the term that describes the belief that one's own culture is superior to others. This concept is essential in understanding how individuals and societies perceive cultural differences. Ethnocentrism often leads to the evaluation of other cultures based on the values and standards of one's own culture, which can result in a lack of understanding or appreciation for the diversity of cultural practices and beliefs.

This viewpoint can influence social interactions and create barriers to cultural exchange and understanding, often fostering biases and stereotypes. Recognizing ethnocentrism is important in the study of human geography, as it affects how cultures interact and how people perceive their place in a global context.

In contrast, multiculturalism promotes the appreciation of diverse cultures and encourages coexistence and equality among different cultural groups. Cultural relativism emphasizes understanding a culture on its own terms without imposing external judgments, promoting a more empathetic and subjective evaluation of cultural practices. Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, communication, and cultural exchange, but it does not inherently imply superiority of any culture over another.