Cultural Relativism, Ethics, and the Sandusky Child Abuse Scandal

This essay analyzes the application of cultural relativism in the context of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. The author examines how the concept of cultural relativism is relevant to the case, particularly in regards to the unethical behaviors of Jerry Sandusky. The essay argues that cultural relativism should not be used to excuse unethical or harmful deeds. The author also references the Freeh Report and discusses the degradation of ethical standards and moral values in the context of the scandal. The essay emphasizes the misunderstanding and misuse of cultural relativism, concluding that it cannot justify unethical actions. The essay draws on the works of Pilgrim (2017) and Sollers et al. (2013) to support its arguments.

Running head: CULTURAL RELATIVISM
CULTURAL RELATIVISM
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1TITLE
As observed in the scenario report of the Penn State child abuse scandal, Jerry
Sandusky is identified to be involved in the case of child molestation that accounted to
around 52 counts. The news stemmed out from the incidents that took place in the year
between 1994 and 2009 (Sollers, et al., 2013). Following it, the report was revised in the year
2012 stating that Jerry Sandusky has been involved in cases of child abuse that accounted to
around 45 counts. He is then ultimately sentenced to imprisonment for the years ranging from
30 to 60 years of imprisonment. Based on the incident, the theory of cultural relativism is
involved in the discussion in order to critically analysis the crime committed and how at what
extent can the theory of relativism be employed is such cases (Sollers, et al., 2013).
Cultural relativism is the concept through which a person’s beliefs, perspectives,
practices and values are recognized on the basis of the that person’s cultural background.
However, the idea of Cultural Relativism is violated in Jerry Sandusky’s case (Pilgrim, 2017.
The conflict arises between the ethical practices and employment of cultural relativism
unethically. As observed in the case, the one who committed the crime, practiced the child
abuse and sexual molestation so frequently that the act has been projected as culturally
influenced in the view of cultural relativism. It reveals the degradation of the ethical
standards and moral values. It is to mention that cultural relativism is immensely
misunderstood principle and the fact that the idea is wrongly used and violated. thereby, it is
evident that cultural relativism cannot be used in case of excusing unethical behaviour or
harmful deeds.

2TITLE
Reference:
Pilgrim, D. (2017). The perils of strong social constructionism: the case of child sexual
abuse. Journal of Critical Realism, 16(3), 268-283.
Sollers, W., JENSEN, M., DIAL, A., CRAWFORD, D., DICK THORNBURGH, L. L. B.,
BERLIN, F., & ABUSE, S. (2013). Critique of the Freeh Report: The rush to injustice
regarding Joe Paterno.