Targeted Universalism

1
Targeted Universalism

• An alternative to universal policies that
  acknowledges how people are situated differently
  and recognizes our linked fate

2
Background

• Seemingly universal policies are not always
  universal in reality. (See Examining Universal
  Policies Examples from History slides on
  www.fairrecovery.org).
• Universal policies often fail to account for the
  fact that different communities and populations
  possess unique resources and needs.
• Universal programs may not fulfill their
  anticipated impact due to communities being
  constrained under multiple layers of
  disadvantage.
• Given the interconnected nature of our
  structures, attempts to address singular issues
  in isolated ways will often fail.

3
(No Transcript)
4
(No Transcript)
5
We Need A New Paradigm

• Universal policies alone are not truly universal.
• They fail to account for the fact that people are
  situated differently in the economic and social
  landscape
• Universal policies are often based on a
  non-universal standard
• Ex Social Security able-bodied white males
  working outside the home full-time for pay
• Conversely, targeted policies alone are not
  desirable because they appear to show favoritism
  toward a certain group, thus stigmatizing them.

6
A Third Option

• Universal and targeted approaches are false
  choices.
• We advocate for a third option that acknowledges
  how people are situated differently while also
  respecting our linked fates.
• This is known as

Targeted Universalism
7
What is Targeted Universalism?

• Targeting within universalism means identifying a
  problem that afflicts marginalized communities,
  proposing a solution, and then broadening its
  scope to cover as many people as possible.
• This approach supports the needs of the
  particular while reminding us that we are all
  part of the same social fabric.
• Universal, yet captures how people are
  differently situated
• Inclusive, yet targets those who are most
  marginalized

8
Targeted Universalism

• Targeted universalism recognizes racial
  disparities and the importance of eradicating
  them, while acknowledging their presence within a
  larger inequitable, institutional framework.
• Example goal Every school as a performing school
• What does each school need to get there?
• What does each student, family, teacher,
  community need?
• What are their strengths and constraints?

9
Our Linked Fates

• Targeted universalism recognizes that problems
  faced by particular segments of American society
  are not isolated circumstances, but problems that
  could spill over into the lives of everyone.
• The subprime credit crisis was not isolated to
  only poor, urban communities it has spread
  beyond these areas and has been felt throughout
  our global economy.

10
Applying Targeted Universalism to the Stimulus

• The shovel ready stimulus package jobs can
  benefit unemployed people of color and women if
  specific incentives and enforcement tools are
  enacted to ensure fair access to these
  opportunities.
• All stimulus projects should require local
  resident hiring goals and create a link to
  community-based groups as the first line contact
  for construction jobs.
• Local hiring requirements are a proven approach
  to bring jobs to under-represented constituencies
  in construction trades. These requirements can be
  applied to permanent jobs as well.

Center for Social Inclusion. Economic Recovery
for Everyone Racial Equity and Prosperity.
Talking Points.
11
Targeting the Stimulus Investments

• Stimulus investments should strategically and
  deliberately transform cities and communities.
• Example transportation funds
• If these infrastructure funds are widespread to
  different road proposals across states, they may
  produce jobs in the short-term, but they will not
  produce sustainable or equitable growth.
• Instead, we need to direct funds to
  investment-deprived communities. By making these
  communities more functional, the city and region
  would become more economically competitive, thus
  forming a growth engine for our economy.

12
Targeted Universalism

• Targeted universalism is a common framework
  through which to pursue justice.
• A model which recognizes our linked fate
• A model where we all grow together
• A model where we embrace collective solutions

13
For Additional Information
www.KirwanInstitute.org
www.FairRecovery.org
For a discussion of targeted universalism, see
Post Racialism or Targeted Universalism? by
john a. powell on www.KirwanInstitute.org