On page 68, we are told that "no culture is exclusively universalist or particularist, but cultures do tend to be more one than the other..." and that we are to understand that the reading is focusing specifically on culture as a whole. However, there are some interesting conversations to be had when you break it down further and look to see the smaller clusters of culture within the whole, especially when they are self-preserving.
For example, our own American culture as a whole, I would argue is Universalist, especially in the cases of the justice system, employment processes, and educational opportunities, at least according to the bylaws. Where our culture shifts dramatically to particularism and changes these outcomes for the situations above, is within the class structure.
Class structure and where you and your family are within tax brackets will ultimately program you to be either universalist or particularist. From my experiences, those within higher brackets tend to be more protective of their assets and their way of life, whereas those within the lower brackets are more giving of their time, energy, and money. Keep in mind, these too are over arching generalizations, but often those that have less to give, give more while those with more tend
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He discusses the top 20 percent of Americans (those who make six figures and higher a year) and how they are able to continue their way of life and set up their children through the hoarding of opportunities (essentially the "American Dream") through personal connections and affiliations. In the following quote, he (including himself in the top 20 percent of Americans) mentions a couple of ways that they are able to achieve this protective aspect of their lives and livelihoods, of which are almost reminiscent of the Particularism