Universalistic standard

A rule or criterion applied to everyone regardless of their personal relationships or background.

Parsons argued that school introduces universalistic standards, which apply to everyone. An examination mark scheme, for example, assesses answers against common criteria rather than awarding marks because the examiner knows or likes the pupil. This prepares children for a society in which, Parsons argued, status should depend on achievement.

A standard applied to everyone regardless of personal relationships or kinship ties.

A standard used to judge everyone by the same criteria rather than according to their particular family relationships or background.

Schools make this transition by using universalistic standards: the same criteria are supposed to apply to everyone. For example, pupils taking the same examination are assessed against common marking criteria rather than each family's expectations. Schools also communicate values intended to apply across society, particularly achievement and equality of opportunity.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

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Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

Related key terms

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Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200