Cultural norms are the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a society. Cultural relativism emphasizes that these norms should be viewed within the context of the culture they originate from. This means that what might be considered normal or abnormal in one culture should not be judged by the standards of another.

Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of cultural differences and similarities without assigning them value, while cultural competence refers to the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures. Both concepts are integral to cultural relativism, as they require an understanding and respect for cultural diversity.

Ethnocentrism is the opposite of cultural relativism; it is the practice of judging another culture by the standards of one's own. Cultural relativism challenges ethnocentric views by promoting the understanding that cultural practices and beliefs are relative and should be understood within their own context.

Ethnographic research is a qualitative method used to study cultures through direct observation and participation. Cultural analysis involves interpreting cultural artifacts, practices, and beliefs. Both methods are used to understand cultures from a relativistic perspective, providing insights into the ways people make sense of their world.

Cross-cultural comparison involves comparing cultural practices across different societies, whereas cultural adaptation refers to how individuals adjust to new cultural contexts. Cultural relativism underpins these processes by highlighting the importance of understanding each culture on its own terms before making comparisons or adaptations.