universalization definition
universalization of ECEC means extended access to good-quality services independent of service users’ socio-economic background. It can also include a strengthened framework for public funding and regulation and the recognition of public responsibility for children’s upbringing. Yet not every increase in state involvement necessarily equals a development towards the universal model. Targeted measures are likely to underscore socio- economically stratified access to services; differentiated parental fees, on the other hand, may support the principle of universalism. Nor does ‘universal access’ of itself imply programme generosity or comprehensiveness, even though these aspects are commonly associated with each other in characterizations of Nordic welfare states (Bergh, 2004), for it does not define the extent of membership. In practice universal ECEC policies may be of quite limited character, guaranteeing access only to certain age groups of children (e.g. three- to five-year-olds) and for certain times (e.g., part-time).