Anthropology Practice Test 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The statement that the idea of universal inalienable human rights challenges the notion of cultural relativism is accurate. Universal inalienable human rights are based on the premise that certain rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of cultural, social, or political differences. These rights include freedoms such as the right to life, liberty, and personal security, and are considered fundamental to all individuals.

Cultural relativism, on the other hand, posits that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This perspective emphasizes that practices and beliefs can vary significantly between cultures, and that there is no universal standard for what constitutes acceptable behavior or rights.

The challenge arises when universal human rights, which suggest a common standard for all individuals, come into conflict with cultural relativist viewpoints that argue for the validity of specific cultural practices, even if those practices may infringe upon what are considered universal rights. For instance, in cases where cultural traditions conflict with human rights norms, such as gender discrimination or child labor, the tension between upholding universal rights and respecting cultural practices becomes evident.

This dynamic is crucial in discussions of human rights, as it raises important questions about how societies can