Cultural Relativism in the Face of the West

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xi

   PDF

2. Introduction: Universal Human Rights versus Cultural Relativism

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 1-18

3. The Case of Female Circumcision

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 19-51

4. The Case of Female Infanticide

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 53-90

5. The Case of Prostituted Female Children

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 91-131

6. The Case of Female Child Labor

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 133-177

7. Conclusion: Toward Cross-Cultural Universals

   • Bret L. Billet

   Pages 179-188

8. Back Matter

   Pages 189-227

   PDF

Billet examines the debate between the uniform application of universal human rights and cultural relativism. Billet outlines the foundations and evolution of both schools of thought. The book also examines case studies that involve either women or children and are typically viewed by the West as violations of fundamental human rights.

• child
• children
• evolution
• human rights
• media
• nature
• prostitution
• thought
• women

"This book examines one of the most important issues in the contemporary international system. The questions relating to whether there are universally applicable human rights that transcend local cultural traditions go to the very heart of the ongoing debate over globalization. In a clear and concise manner, this book begins by explaining the basic arguments and assumptions associated with cultural relativism and with the position that human rights extend to all people across the globe. Following this, several human rights issues regarding the role of females in developing societies are examined in an extremely thoughtful and illuminating way. This book is ideally suited for courses on international politics, globalization, and human rights."

- John M. Rothgeb, Jr., Professor of Political Science, Miami University of Ohio

BRET L. BILLET is Associate Professor of Political Science at Wartburg College.

Policies and ethics