What Is the Meaning of Eurocentric?

The continent of Europe.

Eurocentric is a term in the English language that means a strong focus on the values, culture and viewpoint of Europe. The word implies an exclusion of other non-European societies. With Eurocentrism, individuals tend to see the world from a western or specifically European mindset. In many cases, Eurocentric also means "Anglo-American."

History

Eurocentrism as a concept first came into existence in approximately 1963, during the decolonization period of the latter 1900s. The word was developed to describe the outlook of the world from a strictly European perspective and with European experiences in mind.

Implication

The word "Eurocentric" is often seen in a negative light due to its implications. The word is associated with distaste for and superiority over other cultures, and also implies criticisms of the cultures and lifestyles of other non-European societies.

Terminology

The terminology was established as a result of the word "Europe-centric." Eurocentric is merely a shortened version of Europe-centric, which was commonly used in the early 1990s.

Common Strains

The primary common strains of Eurocentrism include the undervaluing of non-Western societies and cultures, and also ignoring the achievements and actions of Africans and Asians, whether within European society or outside of it.

Beliefs

A variety of different beliefs have contributed to the development of Eurocentrism. Some of these beliefs include the thought that non-European societies are backwards, poor and underdeveloped, the thought that non-European societies are pagan or Islamic and also the thought that those societies are stagnant and inflexible.

References

• Science Encyclopedia: Eurocentrism Examples
• Jochen Hippler: Eurocentrism