Etic

"Etic" is a term used in anthropology and social sciences to describe an outsider's perspective when studying a culture or group. It involves analyzing behaviors, beliefs, and practices from an objective, detached viewpoint, often using universal concepts or categories. This approach contrasts with "emic," which focuses on understanding a culture from an insider’s point of view. Using an etic perspective helps researchers compare different cultures and identify common patterns, but it may sometimes overlook the nuances unique to each community’s life and worldview.