Topic: Inuit infanticide
I do not see this as an example of cultural relativism. The scarcity of resources leads to the conclusion that meeting the needs of every baby born, will cause greater issues in the society. I believe this is an example of utilitarianism rather than cultural relativism, as the norms of the Inuit culture is not what is driving the act of infanticide. In this culture infanticide is necessary to preserve life. There are not enough resources to support more life. It is possible such scarcity of resources could lead to similar practices in any culture. It is not culture driving the action; the action can be understood not by culture, but by circumstance. It is not my belief the Inuit tribes see infanticide as a moral action on its own, but they understand it is necessary for their survival. Under these conditions, infanticide would be deemed permissible by utilitarians.