The Concept
“Targeted universalism means setting universal goals pursued by targeted processes to achieve those goals. Within a targeted universalism framework, universal goals are established for all groups concerned. The strategies developed to achieve those goals are targeted, based upon how different groups are situated within structures, culture, and across geographies to obtain the universal goal.”
Key Resource
Targeted Universalism: A step-by-step methodology for creating belonging
The Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley brings together researchers, organizers, and policymakers to identify and eliminate barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society.
More Detail
“Set universal goal based upon broadly shared recognition of a societal problem and collective aspirations.
Assess general population performance relative to the universal goal.
Identify groups and places that are performing differently with respect to the goal.
Assess and understand the structures that support or impede each group or community from achieving the universal goal.
Develop and implement targeted strategies for each group to reach the universal goal.”
Key Points
“Targeted universalism is goal oriented, and the processes are directed in service of the explicit, universal goal.”
“Targeted universalist policies are more resistant to the critique that government programs serve special interests… By emphasizing the universal goal as a way of justifying a diversity of implementation strategies, transformative change possibilities can be envisioned, pursued, and aligned.”
Further Reading
From the Source
The Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley brings together researchers, organizers, and policymakers to identify and eliminate barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society.
Director john a. powell and the Institute's research team developed the targeted universalism framework to help organizations pursue equity goals through legally sound, politically durable strategies.
Targeted Universalism: A step-by-step methodology for creating belonging
