Race and Inequality

How do societies achieve cohesion in countries where the population is formed of different racial and ethnic groups? Although the debate continues, one constant is the agreement on the need for equality for all citizens of such societies. These egalitarian principles are believed by many to underpin a stable and just society. The question then arises of how best to achieve this equality? This book looks at the policy of affirmative action as it has evolved in different parts of the world: Australia, Canada, Great Britain, India, Northern Ireland, South Africa and the United States. The detailed juxtaposition of country case-studies allows readers to make comparisons and highlight disparities. Although affirmative action has operated in favour of various segments of the population, this book concentrates on the policy with regard to racial/ethnic groups. It explores the origin of the concept: where and how the policy emerged and what form it has taken, in order to open up the debate on this highly sensitive area of social policy. Contents: Foreword; Introduction, Elaine Kennedy-Dubourdieu; Affirmative action in the United States, Jo Ann Ooiman Robinson; Challenging systemic racism in Canada, Colleen Sheppard; Affirmative action in India, Ashwini Deshpande; From periphery to mainstream: affirmative action in Britain, Elaine Kennedy-Dubourdieu; Affirmative action in Northern Ireland, Bronagh Hinds and Ciarán O'Kelly; Australian multicultural equity and fair go, Martine Piquet; Affirmative action in South Africa: the limits of history, Beverly Thaver; Conclusion, Elaine Kennedy-Dubourdieu; Bibliography; Index.