There are currently a large number of historical, philosophical, political and judicial studies on human rights. However, a thorough social psychological analysis of their intervention in social relations, extending across national and cultural boundaries, has not been available. This book fills that gap, providing a detailed examination of the foundations of human rights principles, the sources of their universality and their limitations.Using the tools of social representation theory, Willem Doise examines human rights as guiding ideas which can provide institutionalized standards. He then explores how these standards can be used to evaluate the relationship of individuals with authorities and with each other.Essential reading for scholars and students studying social representation theory and human rights, it will also be of great interest to those working more generally in the fields of psychology, sociology and anthropology.