ABSTRACT

In recent years a number of countries have introduced affirmative action programmes in order to put right historical injustices and economic inequalities involving ethnic communities. This book examines affirmative action programmes in a range of countries around the world. It discusses how such programmes came about and how they have been implemented, and examines their effectiveness. Throughout it explores how far affirmative action programmes reinforce ethnic identities and thereby contribute to division and conflict. The countries covered are India, the United States, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Malaysia and Fiji.

chapter |26 pages

Introduction

Affirmative action, horizontal inequalities, and equitable development

chapter |24 pages

2 The struggle for equality and justice

Affirmative action in the United States of America

chapter |31 pages

4 Coerced preferences

Affirmative action and horizontal inequality in Fiji

chapter |28 pages

5 Affirmative action in South Africa

Disadvantaging the many for the benefit of the few

chapter |29 pages

6 Power-sharing, communal contestation, and equality

Affirmative action, identity, and conflict in Northern Ireland 1