Full Answer Section

Cultural relativism is the idea that all cultures are equally valid and that we should not judge the practices of other cultures based on our own values. While cultural relativism is an important concept to understand, it is also important to recognize that there are some practices that are universally harmful and violate human rights.

Double standards are when we apply different standards to different people or situations, even when they are similar. In the case of FGM, Fluehr-Lobban was applying a double standard by accepting the practice in some cultures while criticizing it in others.

Appropriate circumstances for double standards: There are very few circumstances where double standards are appropriate. One example is when we are trying to protect children or vulnerable people. For example, we may have different standards for what is acceptable behavior for adults and children.

Contemporary human rights issues and debates where anthropological knowledge of cultural specificity might be useful:

• Female genital mutilation (FGM): FGM is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. Anthropological knowledge can help us to understand the complex cultural factors that contribute to FGM and to develop effective interventions to address it.
• Child marriage: Child marriage is another harmful practice that violates the human rights of girls. Anthropological knowledge can help us to understand the cultural factors that contribute to child marriage and to develop effective interventions to address it.
• Honor-based violence: Honor-based violence is a form of violence that is perpetrated against women and girls for violating perceived cultural norms. Anthropological knowledge can help us to understand the complex cultural factors that contribute to honor-based violence and to develop effective interventions to address it.
• Refugees and asylum seekers: Refugees and asylum seekers are often vulnerable people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence. Anthropological knowledge can help us to understand the cultural backgrounds of refugees and asylum seekers and to provide them with culturally sensitive support.

Anthropological knowledge is essential for understanding and addressing a wide range of contemporary human rights issues. By understanding the cultural factors that contribute to human rights violations, we can develop more effective interventions to address them.