The term Xenocentrism is adopted from a Greek word “Xeno” (pronounced as ZEE-no) which means “foreign guest” or “stranger”. Xenocentrism is the opposite of the sociological term ethnocentrism. As described earlier; ethnocentrism is the phenomenon, when people consider their culture superior compare to other culture. On the other hand, Xenocentrism is the feeling when people consider their culture inferior compare to other culture, and prefer to follow the elements or components of other culture rather than their own. For example if a tourist or a foreign exchange student returns home from abroad after a few months or years, and find it difficult to associate with his own culture, after experiencing the foreign culture and consider the foreign cultural norms, values and beliefs more upright compare to his own culture, this phenomenon will come under the fold of Xenocentrism.
The term Xenocentrism is not only limited to non-material culture, but it is also applicable to material culture. Following are some examples of Xenocentrism concerning material culture, suppose if American belief that, German and Japanese automobiles are superior in quality than American automobile. If American belief that, French cheese is better than American cheese. If inhabitant of New York belief that, the dressing style of Paris is superior to New York. If American belief that, Ireland beer is superior in quality compare to American beer. If Indian belief that, the architecture of turkey is better than India. In simple words considering foreign material culture superior than native culture also comes under the category of Xenocentrism.
Xenocentrism might lead to cultural diffusion, cultural diffusion is spreading of a culture from one society to another whether it is material culture or non-material culture. Yoga begin in north India over 5000 years ago and now it is widely practiced in America.
Written By. Khushdil Khan Kasi