Cultural universal

A Cultural universal (also called an anthropological universal or human universal) is an element, pattern, trait, or institution that is common to all known human cultures worldwide. Taken together, the whole body of cultural universals is known as the human condition. Evolutionary psychologists hold that behaviors or traits that occur universally in all cultures are good candidates for evolutionary adaptations. Some anthropological and sociological theorists that take a cultural relativist perspective may deny the existence of cultural universals: the extent to which these universals are “cultural” in the narrow sense, or in fact biologically inherited behavior is an issue of “nature versus nurture”. Prominent scholars on the topic include Emile Durkheim, George Murdock, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and Donald Brown.

wikipedia/en/Cultural%20universal

“Universal humanity” refers to the idea that all humans share common needs, rights, and traits, forming a shared identity beyond cultural differences. It is the guiding principle for humanitarian action, but has also been criticized for potentially overlooking cultural differences from a Western bias. The concept appears in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, religion, and art, where it’s explored through the lens of shared experience, ethics, and spiritual unity.

In different fields

Philosophy and Social Sciences:

Explores shared human traits and the basis for common ethical standards. However, there is debate on whether these universals are purely cultural or a product of our evolutionary nature.

Humanitarianism:

Serves as the principle that all people have the same needs and rights, guiding humanitarian efforts globally.

Religion:

Many religions have a concept of universal humanity, emphasizing equality and unity among all people, such as the Christian belief that all are equal in the eyes of God.

Art:

Projects like the Universal Humanity Art Project by Thomas Iser use art to celebrate diversity and explore this shared connection through shared emotions and values.

Psychology:

Identifies universal human traits such as creativity, curiosity, love, and family, which are found across cultures and are good candidates for evolutionary adaptations.

Key concepts and criticisms

Shared traits:

Identifies commonalities that connect people, such as love, curiosity, and the need for family.

Shared experience:

Suggests a common foundation of emotions and experiences that can be tapped into across cultures.

Criticism:

Some postcolonial studies criticize universalism for its potential to be a biased, Western-centric view that ignores cultural and historical differences.