How does universalism and cultural relativism interplay?

For some time now, universalism and cultural relativism pose a conflict to the
general application of the standards of human rights. Each of the two concepts share
different views on how an individual or a group of people acquire what we call rights.
How does one differentiate universalism from cultural relativism?
Universalism in its simplest definition is that human rights belong to everyone
wherever he or she resides or what status he or she holds in the society. From this
definition, we can say that the basis of universalism is individual rights. On the other
hand, one can define cultural relativism as cultures of different societies define their own
values and ethics. In other words, human right in this concept means what is
traditionally or culturally accepted in one state does not mean that it can be applied in
another independent state. Such rights are determined by each society and not by what
is agreed upon globally.
Which concept is accepted in the modern day world?
Both of these concepts have their own pros and cons. The goal of universalism is
the giving of equal rights to every individual regardless of whoever they may be in such
society. However, critics charge that universalism perpetuates colonialist practices,
complaining that one group assumes superiority over the other and bases values,
ethics, and power on that assumption. In cultural relativism, all points of view are
equally valid, and any truth is relative. The truth belongs to the individual or her or his
culture. All ethical, religious, and political beliefs are truths related to the cultural identity
of the individual or society. Though such concept may be true in some aspects of
human life like clothing, religion, language and architecture, many believe that such way
of thinking rests upon an outdated or oppressive foundation.
Today however, this two concepts stand side by side in the establishment of
modern day human rights. We cannot say that universalism governs much of the
stipulations of human rights. Such rights are also based on the culture of different

societies. For example, based on the Islamic culture, women should be veiled when
going out in public. One might say that such imposition impedes the right of an
individual to express herself independently through clothing. On the contrary, it is very
well accepted globally, that such practice is based on religion which has its roots on the
culture of a particular region in our world. Universally speaking, human rights should be
given to everyone regardless of whoever he is, however, we must also take into
consideration the cultural background of such person. Universalism and cultural
relativism is not that distinct from one another. They interplay in our society in a way that
is shaping each and everyones lives. They are two concepts although explained
differently, are very essential to the establishment of human rights. One will not subsist,
without the existence of the other.