IB Global Politics - Universalism vs. Cultural Relativism

Students begin the lesson with a group exercise asking them to categorize certain items into those they would prohibit, those they would tolerate and those they respect. This bridges to a discussion about the impact of culture on ethical values and then the extent to which this should or can be reflected in human rights. Students then watch a video clip that speaks directly about the advantages and disadvantages of a universalist approach vs. a cultural relativist approach. This video is then discussed as a class. The lesson ends with a research task, asking students to download and read through the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights as preparation for a future discussion.