1---
 2meta: 
 3  date: false
 4  reading_time: false
 5title: "Affirmative Action"
 6date: 2023-10-05
 7description: "Policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in employment and education by promoting diverse representation."
 8tags: ["affirmative action", "equal opportunities", "diversity", "employment", "education"]
 9---
10
11## Background
12
13Affirmative action refers to a range of policies and initiatives aimed at correcting historical injustices and inequalities faced by marginalized groups within society. It is designed to provide a level playing field in domains such as employment and education. The core principle is to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
14
15## Historical Context
16
17The concept of affirmative action originated in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s as a response to pervasive racial discrimination. Key legislative milestones include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 11246, which mandated non-discriminatory practices in employment for institutions that received federal funding. Over the years, the scope of affirmative action has broadened to incorporate various marginalized groups.
18
19## Definitions and Concepts
20
21Affirmative action policies aim to achieve a workforce or student body profile that more accurately reflects the diversity of the general population or the applicant pool. This involves proactive steps such as targeted recruitment, hiring, and admissions strategies, along with supportive measures like mentorship and training programs.
22
23## Major Analytical Frameworks
24
25### Classical Economics
26
27In classical economic thought, affirmative action can be seen as an intervention in the labor market. Classical economists traditionally advocate for minimal interference, arguing that the market, left to its own devices, will allocate resources efficiently.
28
29### Neoclassical Economics
30
31Neoclassical economists focus on the efficiency and utility derived from optimal allocation of resources. They might argue both for and against affirmative action—either as a necessary corrective measure to address market failures resulting from discrimination, or as a distortion that could potentially lead to inefficiencies.
32
33### Keynesian Economic
34
35Keynesian economics would support affirmative action as part of broader government interventions aimed at ensuring social equity and stability. Policies to promote diverse representation can be seen as crucial for maintaining a cohesive and productive society.
36
37### Marxian Economics
38
39From a Marxian perspective, affirmative action is viewed as a step towards rectifying systemic inequalities deeply embedded in capitalist societies. However, critics may argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of inequality.
40
41### Institutional Economics
42
43Institutional economists emphasize the role of institutional structures and social norms in shaping economic outcomes. Affirmative action is considered essential in dismantling entrenched institutional biases and fostering equitable growth.
44
45### Behavioral Economics
46
47Behavioral economists would analyze affirmative action by examining psychological and social cognitive biases, such as implicit discrimination, that prevent fair outcomes. They advocate for policies that nudge institutions towards more inclusive practices.
48
49### Post-Keynesian Economics
50
51Post-Keynesian economists emphasize the significance of historic and social context in economic analysis. Affirmative action is supported as a policy tool for promoting long-term social and economic stability through inclusivity.
52
53### Austrian Economics
54
55Austrian economists tend to value minimal government interference in the market. From this viewpoint, affirmative action might be critiqued as an artificial distortion that could potentially result in unintended consequences.
56
57### Development Economics
58
59In development economics, affirmative action is seen as a vital mechanism for promoting inclusive growth, especially in developing countries where social inequalities may be more pronounced.
60
61### Monetarism
62
63Monetarists typically emphasize the role of monetary policy over fiscal or regulatory interventions. They might argue that while well-intentioned, affirmative action should be evaluated for its potential economic impacts and unintended consequences.
64
65## Comparative Analysis
66
67Different economic schools of thought provide various justifications and critiques of affirmative action. These perspectives offer a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of this policy.
68
69## Case Studies
70
71Numerous case studies can be examined to understand the implementation and impact of affirmative action, especially in countries like the United States, South Africa, and India, each with unique socio-economic backdrops that inform their approaches.
72
73## Suggested Books for Further Studies
74
75- "The Affirmative Action Empire: Nations and Nationalism in the Soviet Union, 1923–1939" by Terry Martin
76- "A Cognitive Theory of Cultural Meaning" by Claudia Strauss and Naomi Quinn
77- "Affirmative Action Around the World: An Empirical Study" by Thomas Sowell
78
79## Related Terms with Definitions
80
81- **Equal Opportunity**: Policies and practices aimed at ensuring that all individuals have a fair chance to succeed, without facing barriers due to personal attributes unrelated to job performance or talent.
82- **Discrimination**: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, particularly on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability.
83- **Diversity**: The practice or policy of including individuals from varied backgrounds in areas like race, ethnicities, genders, age, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations.