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.