Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Culturally Universal? A Modernization Theory Perspective

This article examines the relationship between cultural values and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) through the lens of modernization theory. Utilizing both quantitative text analysis and qualitative thematic analysis, the study finds a significant alignment of the UDHR with rational/secular and self-expression values while showing conflicts with traditional/religious and survival values. It is found that the UDHR reflects the cultural values of developed economies, characterized by individualism, rationality, secularity, and egalitarianism. In contrast, traditional and religious societies prioritize community ties, social norms, and religious adherence, often conflicting with the UDHR’s emphasis on individual rights and freedoms. The findings offer a balanced perspective on the cultural relativism versus universalism debate. While cultural relativism is supported in practice due to the conflicts between traditional/religious values and the UDHR, universalism holds theoretical validity as economically developed societies tend to “universally” adopt values that align with the UDHR .