Universalism

Introduction

Universalism implies that it is possible to apply generalized norms, values, or concepts to all people and cultures, regardless of the contexts in which they are located. These norms may include a focus on human needs, rights, or biological and psychological processes and are based on the perspective that all people are essentially equivalent. As an example, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts various rights to all people – e.g., to marry, own property, and access equal protection under the law – regardless of culture or nationality.

Definition

The concept of universalism is prevalent across the social, political, and physical sciences. In the field of psychology, universalism conventionally refers to the idea that the range of human experience – from basic needs and psychological processes to core values – is intrinsic and therefore similar across humans and cultures. Thus, universalism enables not only meaningful comparisons across...