Which term denotes the tendency to govern actions by special relations to an individual or group rather than by universal criteria?

Which term denotes the tendency to govern actions by special relations to an individual or group rather than by universal criteria?

• A. Caste system
• B. Clique
• C. Particularistic
• D. Deviation

Answer: (C)

In social science, decisions can be made either by universal criteria that apply equally to everyone, or by particularistic criteria that hinge on personal ties to someone or a group. The described tendency—governing actions through special relations to an individual or group rather than by universal rules—captures that second approach: particularistic. It’s about favoring kinship, friendship, or patronage over impersonal, standardized rules. A caste system, by contrast, is about inherited social ranking, not about using personal relations as the basis for decisions. A clique refers to an exclusive group, not a principle guiding governance. Deviation deals with behavior that strays from norms. Thus, the concept that best fits is particularistic.

In social science, decisions can be made either by universal criteria that apply equally to everyone, or by particularistic criteria that hinge on personal ties to someone or a group. The described tendency—governing actions through special relations to an individual or group rather than by universal rules—captures that second approach: particularistic. It’s about favoring kinship, friendship, or patronage over impersonal, standardized rules.

A caste system, by contrast, is about inherited social ranking, not about using personal relations as the basis for decisions. A clique refers to an exclusive group, not a principle guiding governance. Deviation deals with behavior that strays from norms. Thus, the concept that best fits is particularistic.