Final answer:
A cultural relativist would base a claim of rights on the culture-specific norms, values, and morality of the society in question, while also taking into account universal human rights principles when severe violations occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cultural relativist would most likely base a claim of rights on the norms and values of the culture in question. Cultural relativism is the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards and values rather than viewing it through the lens of another culture. According to descriptive ethical relativism, the concept of morality varies across different societies, and what is deemed moral or right in one culture may be seen entirely differently in another.
Given this perspective, claims of rights are often context-specific and based on the prevailing ethics and morals of that particular society. For instance, a cultural relativist would not necessarily judge the practices of another culture based on their own cultural standards but attempt to understand the other culture's viewpoint. This approach has been fundamental in the discipline of anthropology and is vital in forming cross-cultural relationships and mutual understanding.
Cultural relativism is not an amoral stance; rather, it is about giving other cultures a fair and respectful consideration before rushing to conclusions. While this approach respects the diversity of human culture, it also recognizes the complexities of advocating for universal rights within this framework. Cultural relativists would typically argue for the respect and validation of cultural practices unless they starkly violate universal human rights principles.