Universalism

Universalism is a policy principle that makes public services or benefits available broadly, rather than restricting them to selected groups. It contrasts with provision based on income, status, or categorical eligibility.

Means testing: A policy method that limits benefits according to an assessment of a person's income, assets, or need. It restricts eligibility by financial need instead of offering benefits broadly.
Universal health care: A health system ensuring that everyone can obtain needed health services without financial hardship. It applies universalist logic to access to health care.
Social citizenship: The set of social rights and protections associated with membership in a political community. Universal benefits are often justified as rights of membership rather than rewards for need or contribution.
Welfare state: A system in which government protects social welfare through services, transfers, and regulation. Universalist provision is one organizing principle within welfare states.
Nordic model: A family of Nordic social and economic arrangements combining extensive public welfare with coordinated labor markets. It is associated with broad social services and comparatively universal welfare provision.
Categorical eligibility: Eligibility for a public program based on membership in a defined group, such as age or disability. It targets benefits to specified groups rather than the population at large.
Universal basic income: A regular cash payment made to every individual without means testing or work requirements. It applies universal eligibility to income support rather than a particular service.
Progressive taxation: A tax system in which higher incomes face higher tax rates. It can finance broad services while distributing their costs according to ability to pay.
Social solidarity: Social cohesion grounded in mutual obligations and shared membership. Shared programs can make groups with different incomes invested in common institutions.
National Health Service: A publicly funded health system established in the United Kingdom in 1948, with care largely free at the point of use. It is a prominent case of universal health provision organized through public financing.

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