Contextualizing Culture in Practice: Between Cultural Relativism and Hermeneutic Understanding

This paper aims to contextualize culture in practice by initially problematizing the concept of culture with the question, “What does culture as given or culture as constructed mean?” It further delves into the issue by asking, “Why is this a problem?” and ultimately seeks to answer, “How can we resolve this problem?”, which entails the practical contextualization of culture. The focus of the paper is to challenge the notion of culture as either predetermined or constructed, employing the contrasting perspectives of Peter Winch and Martin Heidegger. Additionally, it examines the differences between cultural relativism and hermeneutics, featuring debates between Peter Winch and Clifford Geertz on cultural relativism, and Martin Heidegger and Ludwig Wittgenstein on hermeneutics. Finally, the paper discusses methodologies for contextualizing culture, whether perceived as given or constructed, in practical terms. The insights provided by this paper are significant for several reasons. Firstly, it helps clarify the theoretical underpinnings of cultural analysis, offering a nuanced understanding of how culture can be perceived and interpreted. Secondly, it bridges the gap between theoretical debates and practical applications, providing scholars and practitioners with the tools to better navigate cultural contexts in their work. Lastly, the paper encourages a reflective and critical approach to cultural studies, promoting deeper engagement with the dynamic and constructed nature of culture.