Universalisation

Universalisation, or universalization, is the process of making something applicable to everyone within a given group or making a service, right, or principle accessible to all. In philosophy, universalisation often refers to the ability of a rule or maxim to be applied as a universal law, a concept central to tests of moral reasoning such as the universalizability principle. In social policy and development, the term describes efforts to extend access and guarantees to all members of society.

In policy contexts, universalisation is frequently used with education and health care. Universalisation of education aims to ensure that all children have access to free, quality schooling and to reduce enrollment and achievement gaps. Universal health coverage seeks to provide essential health services to every person, funded by public systems or social insurance. Beyond health and education, universalisation can apply to basic services, social protection, or rights, with an emphasis on removing financial, geographic, or social barriers.

In cultural and religious contexts, universalisation can denote efforts to broaden the reach of beliefs, practices, or norms to a global audience, or the spread of universal values across cultures. In design and accessibility, universal design strives to create products and environments usable by people of diverse abilities, reflecting a related impulse toward universality.

Critiques focus on cost, feasibility, and potential tensions with local contexts or cultural diversity. Supporters contend that universalisation advances equity and social solidarity, though implementation typically requires careful planning, monitoring, and adaptation to specific conditions.