Political Science

Affirmative action basically speaks of equal opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds whether in terms of gender, race or ethnicity, disabilities, prior career, or socio-economic status. It seeks to eliminate discrimination wherever it is found whether in education, the workplace or employment, public contracting or availing of social services of the government. This is consistent with the American democratic notion that  all men are created equal.

However well-meaning it may be, affirmative action has its share of criticisms. For one thing, both conservatives and liberals, particularly the latter cannot lay claim on affirmative action.  The idea of affirmative action is to treat  unequals  as equals. But those who believe that this must be absolute tend to abuse affirmative action. The result is the devaluation of meritocracy on account of the abovementioned characteristics. In certain professions, while it is desirable to have diversity, affirmative action has its limits. Diversity is not an absolute gauge on ones quality, especially if ability is the primary criterion for acceptance. One cannot invoke affirmative action here. It can only be invoked if the aggrieved party can show he or she is up to the task and can deliver. It would be embarrassing enough if this person is accepted on account of their diversity only to lack the abilities required (Sher, 1983).

In conclusion, affirmative action should be authority-driven rather than market-driven. Those in leadership or management positions should choose those who possess the qualities they seek who will be assets in the organization rather than prejudge them. It is ability that matters more than background. That is what meritocracy is all about.