What concept involves treating individuals differently based on personal relationships?

The concept that involves treating individuals differently based on personal relationships is best captured by particularistic values. This approach emphasizes the importance of personal connections and unique relationships in determining how individuals should be treated within a society.

Particularistic values reflect the idea that norms and behaviors can vary depending on the social context and the specific relationships individuals have with each other. For example, family members or close friends may receive different treatment than acquaintances or strangers, highlighting how personal relationships can influence decisions and actions.

In contrast, universalistic values advocate for uniform treatment of individuals regardless of personal relationships, promoting equality and standard norms for all. This difference in values illustrates a fundamental divide in how societies can choose to structure their interactions and norms, either by emphasizing individual relationships or by applying broad, impersonal principles that aim for fairness and equality.