Final answer:
The concept of cultural relativism in anthropology is true. It is a methodological tool for understanding cultures from the insider's perspective and does not inherently approve all cultural practices but allows for contextual understanding before judgment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that today in anthropology, cultural relativism is not a moral position but a methodological one, and that it does not preclude making moral judgments or taking action, is true. Cultural relativism as a methodological tool requires anthropologists to understand cultural practices and beliefs from the perspective of those within the culture, without immediate judgment. This approach involves seeking a deep comprehension of the meanings and significances within diverse cultural contexts. Once an understanding is established, anthropologists may still engage with moral judgments or activism, informed by an empathetic and nuanced view of another culture.
It is important to note that while cultural relativism calls for the suspension of personal assessment during the investigative phase, it does not imply that all behaviors or practices are acceptable. It simply means that to gain a thorough understanding, cultural phenomena should be examined within their own cultural contexts before judgments are passed. This is distinguished from an "anything goes" mentality, which would accept all cultural practices as equally valid without any critique.
As exemplified by the controversy over female genital cutting (FGC), practicing cultural relativism can involve grappling with deeply troubling cultural practices. Even so, cultural relativism enables a more informed and thereby potentially more effective engagement with those involved, by understanding the cultural context that gives rise to such practices.