ffirmative action remains a controversial topic in American politics. One argument against affirmative action is that it disrupts a system of merit so that less qualified applicants who represent racial minorities are selected. Is this a fair criticism of affirm

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ1
icon
Related questions
Question

Affirmative action remains a controversial topic in American politics. One argument against affirmative action is that it disrupts a system of merit so that less qualified applicants who represent racial minorities are selected.

  • Is this a fair criticism of affirmative action in light of the fact that a system of preferences operated for much of American history in which qualified white applicants were always preferred over qualified black applicants?
Expert Solution
Step 1

A policy that seeks to provide underrepresented groups in our society additional opportunities in the workplace and in school is known as affirmative action.Affirmative action emphasises the representation of groups that have traditionally had low levels in the workforce, education, and positions of leadership. It is usually seen as a strategy to counteract prejudice towards particular groups of people. Corporations and governments regularly implement affirmative action programmes that consider applicants' colour, sex, religion, or national origin when hiring new personnel. 

trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:
9780134641287
Author:
Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:
Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:
9780393639407
Author:
Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis…
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis…
Sociology
ISBN:
9781305503076
Author:
Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien…
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien…
Sociology
ISBN:
9780134477596
Author:
Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:
PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:
9780134205571
Author:
James M. Henslin
Publisher:
PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:
9780134206325
Author:
John J. Macionis
Publisher:
PEARSON