Racial Politics

Question 1

State 4 arguments in favour of affirmative action in the USA

Answer 1

Any 4:

1. Rights previous wrongs - those previously disadvantaged are now advantaged
2. Opens up areas of employment or education which minorities may not have otherwise considered
3. Creates a diverse student body in educational establishments, which promotes racial tolerance
4. It’s proven to work, between 1960 to 1995, the percentage of blacks aged 25-29 graduating from university rose from 5% to 15%
5. Leads to greater levels of diversity and multiculturalism in society
6. It is the most effective way of delivering equality of opportunity for all

Question 2

State 4 arguments against the use of affirmative action in the USA

Answer 2

Any 4:

1. The advantage of one group inevitably leads to the disadvantage of another group - e.g. Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)
2. It can lead to minorities being admitted to jobs/course of which they are ill equipped to cope on
3. Affirmative action programs can be condescending to minorities, by demeaning their achievements
4. It perpetrates a society based upon race and colour - which leads to prejudice
5. It focuses on groups rather than individuals