Health Equity Resource Library
Targeted Universalism

Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society

Targeted universalism (3:48, video autoplays) is a brief, animated video that explains the difference between a targeted universalism framework and more traditional policy approaches.

Targeted universalism means setting universal goals and using targeted processes to achieve those goals.

Within a targeted universalism framework, an organization or system sets universal goals for all groups concerned. The strategies the organization/system develops to achieve those goals are targeted to different groups—based on how different groups are situated within structures, culture, and across geographies—to obtain the universal goal. The video includes a brief overview of five steps to developing a targeted universal approach.

For more detailed information, including a policy and practice primer, visit: Haas Institute: Targeted universalism: Policy and practice: A primer.

When to use

Use this video individually (to support individual professional development about how to develop, implement, or revise interventions designed to reduce inequities) or with a group of people who may be tasked with developing or revising public health strategies for communities experiencing inequities. Use the video to start a conversation.

Things to consider

While this video describes a comprehensive approach to big problems, you can also use targeted universalism on a smaller scale.

Use this resource

Watch on YouTube: Targeted universalism (3:48)

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