Race and Inequality: World Perspectives on Affirmative Action

\How do societies achieve cohesion in countries where the population is made up of different racial and ethnic groups? The debate continues, but one constant that continues to emerge is the agreement on the need for equality, and equality of opportunity 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 will allow 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 as it has been used in favour of 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 clarify and open up the debate on this highly sensitive area of social policy.