IB Global Politics Definitions and Views on Rights Key Definitions

Cultural relativism is the view that rights and moral standards are products of particular cultures rather than universal absolutes. It treats human rights claims as legitimate only when they fit local traditions, religion, and history.

Rights are entitlements or permissions that individuals or groups have, often protected by law or moral principles.

Rights are fundamental entitlements or freedoms that individuals possess, often considered essential for dignity, equality, and justice.

Universalism is the view that human rights belong to all people regardless of culture, religion, or nationality, because they rest on moral principles that hold everywhere. It treats a core set of rights as valid across all societies, not just where local tradition happens to support them.