Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume 14 | Issue 4
Rethinking Human Rights: Bridging Universalism and Cultural Relativism in the 21st Century
Chandan Kumar Dan
DOI:10.46852/2249-6637.03.2025.2
Abstract:
Human rights theory has historically operated within the framework of universalism, emphasizing a set of rights inherent to all human beings. However, growing attention to cultural diversity, post-colonial critique, and global political pluralism has intensified the debate between universalism and cultural relativism. This paper revisits the foundational premises of human rights theory, exploring its evolution from natural law traditions to contemporary legal frameworks. It critically examines the tensions between universalist and relativist positions, assessing whether a synthesis is possible or desirable. Using interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper suggests a middle path rooted in “pluralistic universalism,” which respects cultural contexts without compromising core human dignity. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a rearticulated theory that balances ethical consistency with political and cultural inclusivity.
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