Affirmative Action Research Articles

Gender Equality and Sustainable Development

Abstract- This paper critically examines the relationship between gender equality and sustainable development, highlighting the moral, ethical, and practical reasons for integrating gender equality into strategies for long-term global sustainability. It explores the role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in promoting gender equality alongside sustainable development goals, offering insights into actionable targets and broader human rights issues. Key discussions include an analysis of international norms and standards, particularly under International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines, and their relevance to women's rights and employment equity. The paper also critiques areas of overlap and divergence between gender equality objectives and sustainable development priorities while drawing upon the foundational principles of International Relations, with references to the United Nations Millennium Declaration of 2000.

Barriers to Women's Progression in the Indian Judiciary

The persistent underrepresentation of women in India's judiciary, especially in leadership roles, continues to be a critical concern despite an increase in their participation. This paper examines the obstacles that impede women's progress within the judicial system, evaluates their impact on legal reforms, and advocates for measures to promote gender equity. Utilizing secondary data, the study identifies key institutional, societal, and structural challenges, including gender bias, difficulties in maintaining work-life balance, inadequate mentorship opportunities, and limited representation in senior positions, that restrict women's potential in the judiciary. Simultaneously, it highlights the significant contributions of women judges in advancing areas such as gender justice, family law, and domestic violence. The paper recommends targeted reforms, such as affirmative action, the implementation of gender-neutral policies, improved support systems, and stricter enforcement of anti-harassment measures, to foster a more inclusive and diverse judiciary. By addressing these issues, this study aspires to strengthen the judiciary's credibility and effectiveness while building a legal system rooted in equality and inclusivity.

Threads That Become Tendrils

The settler-state of Canada continues to reconcile with the genocide of the original Indigenous custodians of the lands on which we operate, alongside the underserving and discriminating against racialized, black, disabled, and LGBTQ2+ peoples all while navigating a climate crisis, the proliferation of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) nomenclature and plans permeates every social and financial sector. EDI initiatives, while called many names throughout history such as social inclusion and affirmative action, experienced a rise in creation in 2020 because of public outcries for the acknowledgement of systemic racial injustice and pressure to address this ongoing form of violence. Canada’s arts and culture sector is not immune from this scrutiny. Having a long history of engaging in social services, the arts and culture sector is often tasked with “fixing” issues when funding is cut to education, health, and community programs, yet arts institutions are not equipped to do this. This paper follows one resident researcher’s journey as they were tasked with developing an arts civic impact framework suggesting equity practices in the arts. The study used a mixed-methods approach, drawing from the walking interview, reverse photo-elicitation, feminist manifestos and research-creation to bring cultural workers across the country together to develop an accessible tool to carefully engage in equity practices within the sector. As a critique and response to flat and prescriptive EDI plans, what was created based on this cross-country collaboration was a non-linear, spiraling framework existing online that arts organizations can make use of and adapt based on their circumstances. Weaving together a historical account of arts administration, Western managerialism, and the EDI in the arts sector, this article responds to the research question: How can access to the arts and culture sector from coast-to-coast-to-coast be more equitable?

FEMALE POLITICIANS AS CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE: EXAMINING WOMEN LEADERSHIP ROLES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study explores the transformative role of female politicians in Northern Nigeria, a region historically marked by deep gender disparities in leadership and political engagement. Despite entrenched cultural and social barriers, women are increasingly entering the political arena, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for critical issues such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Anchored in Gender and Development Theory, which highlights the interconnectedness of gender equality and socio-economic progress, the research adopts a qualitative design. Data were collected from secondary sources, including academic journals, government reports, Non Governmental Organization publications (e.g., United Nation Women and Oxfam), and conference papers, and analyzed through content analysis to identify recurring themes and insights. A key finding reveals that the participation of women in political leadership strengthens democratic governance and fosters a more inclusive and equitable society, as women leaders often prioritize social policies that benefit marginalized groups.The study concludes that empowering women in politics is essential for driving socio-economic progress and challenging systemic inequalities in Northern Nigeria. To enhance female representation, the research recommends implementing gender-sensitive policies, including affirmative action measures such as quotas for women in political parties and public offices. Additionally, strengthening legal protections to safeguard women politicians from discrimination and violence is critical for creating a supportive and inclusive political environment. Sustained efforts to dismantle the barriers women face in the political arena will not only ensure their voices contribute to governance but also catalyze profound societal change in Northern Nigeria, fostering a more just and equitable future.

The Disposable “Essential” Workers of COVID-19

COVID-19 reshaped almost every aspect of economic activity and working life in the United States. It also amplified existing racial, gender, and economic disparities, significantly impacting working people. Specifically, low-wage essential workers of color experienced higher levels of exposure, long-term health complications, and COVID-19-related deaths than other workers. Thus, the episodic allocation of pandemic health risks tracks and illustrates inequalities that require more extensive solutions in the workplace. This Article demonstrates how race, gender, and citizenship shape the employment and life outcomes of essential workers who sustained the economy throughout the pandemic. Building on a health justice framework, it fills a gap in legal scholarship by identifying six employment-related factors compounding systemic inequalities. Profiling COVID-19-related lawsuits involving low-wage workers, it also analyzes the effectiveness of available legal remedies. Amid immense human loss, there are clear lessons in changing labor and employment structures to protect, rather than dispose of, essential workers from magnifying inequalities. Thus, this Article proposes adopting employment equity principles to address intersectional disparities in the workplace. Using the expertise of on-the-ground advocacy organizations, it also examines and critiques several administrative, legislative, and regulatory interventions. In light of impending health and climate change pandemics, this Article provides actionable steps to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Unlocking Potential: Strategies for Recruiting and Supporting Veterans on the Path to Success in College

Higher education in the United States is currently grappling with two significant challenges that threaten its sustainability: the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a decline in enrollments, and the 2023 Supreme Court decision to prohibit affirmative action in college admissions. This essay explores how these challenges affect student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative recruitment of underrepresented student groups. Veterans, specifically those with some college credit but no credential (VSCNC), represent a promising yet overlooked demographic within traditional recruitment strategies. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, over 40 million adults in the United States belong to the “some college, no credential” group. Notably, 76% of post-9/11 veterans have some college credit but lack a bachelor’s degree (Hill et al., 2019). This essay emphasizes the necessity of developing tailored strategies to support VSCNC, a group that has been historically underrepresented in higher education despite their significant educational resources, skills, and abilities to perform well and succeed in college. By addressing barriers and leveraging veterans’ diverse perspectives, institutions can improve recruitment and academic success, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

Ableism and Employment: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Background: Ableism obstructs employment equity for disabled individuals. However, research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how ableism multidimensionally manifests across job types, disability types, stages of employment, and intersecting identities. Objectives: This scoping review examines how ableism affects disabled workers and jobseekers, as well as its impacts on employment outcomes, variations across disabilities and identities, and the best practices for addressing these. Eligibility Criteria: The included articles were 109 peer-reviewed empirical studies conducted in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Finland between 2018 and 2023. Sources of Evidence: Using terms related to disability, ableism, and employment, the databases searched included Sociology Collection, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, and ERIC. Charting Methods: Data were extracted in tabular form and analyzed through thematic narrative synthesis to identify study characteristics, ableist barriers within employment, intersectional factors, and best practices. Results: Ableism negatively impacts employment outcomes through barriers within the work environment, challenges in disclosing disabilities, insufficient accommodations, and workplace discrimination. Intersectional factors intensify inequities, particularly for BIPOC, women, and those with invisible disabilities. Conclusions: Systemic, intersectional strategies are needed to address ableism, improve policies, and foster inclusive workplace practices.

Exploring the sensitive interplay between labour law and competition jurisprudence: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (PTY) Ltd v Competition Commission of South Africa & Another [2024] ZACC 3

On 17 April 2024, the Constitutional Court of South Africa handed down a landmark judgment in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (Pty) Ltd v Competition Commission & Food and Allied Workers Union [2024] ZACC 3. The case highlighted the intersection of labour and competition, two areas of the law that are cardinal to the protection, promotion, and realisation of socio-economic rights. Labour law is paramount to the realisation of socio-economic rights because it regulates, among other things, the right to fair wages, employment equity, safe working conditions, social security benefits, and job security, which all ensure that individuals can earn a living to support their families and afford access to goods and services essential for their socio-economic well-being. Competition law, on the other hand, advances the realisation of socio-economic rights through the promotion of fair markets and the combating of anti-competitive conduct, ensuring that consumers have access to the best quality goods and services at fair prices, which is essential for consumers' economic well-being.

The Impact of Gender Wage Differentials on Economic Growth in Kenya

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of gender wage differentials on Kenya's economic growth. Methodology: The study utilized a correlation research design and time-series data spanning 2012 to 2023. Econometric modeling was applied to evaluate the relationship, with economic growth as the dependent variable and gender wage differentials as the independent variable. Findings: Descriptive statistics revealed that the gender wage gap, measured by the gender wage gap index, exhibited significant variations over the study period, with an average index of 0.531. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship (β = -0.249, p < 0.01) between gender wage differentials and economic growth, with a moderate explanatory power (R² = 0.269). The findings suggest that persistent wage disparities undermine economic productivity by constraining female labor participation and limiting household investment in education and health. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: These results underline the urgency of addressing occupational segregation, pay inequity, and structural barriers through targeted economic policies, affirmative action, and enforcement by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). This study contributes to the literature on gender economics and highlights the importance of equitable wage structures in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Future research could explore sector-specific effects to refine policy interventions.

Concept-formation and deep disagreements in theoretical and practical reasoning

This paper explores the idea that deep disagreements essentially involve disputes about what counts as good reasoning, whether it is theoretical or practical reasoning. My central claim is that deep disagreements involve radically different paradigms of some principle or notion that is constitutively basic to reasoning—I refer to these as “basic concepts”. To defend this claim, I show how we can understand deep disagreements by accepting the indeterminacy of concept-formation: concepts are not set in stone but are responsive to human needs, and differences in individuating and ordering concepts lead to clashes in paradigms of reasoning. These clashes can be difficult to resolve because linguistic concepts, especially basic concepts, impose a normative structure onto thought to make reasoning possible at all. This, I also argue, is an authentically Wittgensteinian account of the nature of reasoning. While deep disagreements involving theoretical and practical reasoning both stem from the same root problem of clashing paradigms of basic concepts, I will also draw attention to the particularly radical indeterminacy of moral concept-formation, which makes moral deep disagreements more difficult to resolve. Over the course of the paper, I will discuss two examples of deep disagreements to illustrate and defend my central claim: deep disagreements over vaccines and the concept of “evidence” (theoretical reasoning) and deep disagreements over affirmative action and the concept of “fairness” (practical reasoning). I conclude by suggesting how my account of reasoning does not lead to moral relativism.

"Identity politics" is economic policy.

In the wake of the November 2024 US election, several commentators have suggested that the US Democratic Party abandon its commitment to so-called "identity politics," which they identify as elitist, condescending, and divisive. They argue that rather than focusing on these "cultural" issues, progressives should prioritize economic concerns. Yet identity politics, at a fundamental level, is driven, and dominated, by economic concerns. Growing bodies of social science evidence make increasingly clear how identity politics-in terms of ensuring equal rights for minorities and women in the workplace and in the world and in terms of affirmative action to ensure equity of opportunity-is good economic policy. Opposition to identity politics is often built not by the culturally and ethnically diverse working class who benefit but by lower-ability economic elites who feel that their advantage is under threat. By making it harder for such entrenched elites to retain power, affirmative action may actually improve both the quality of individuals promoted in an ostensibly meritocratic system and overall economic outcomes.

Is Admission Enough? University Persistence of Students Admitted Through Affirmative Action Policies in Chile

Is Admission Enough? University Persistence of Students Admitted Through Affirmative Action Policies in Chile

Affirmative Action in New India: Evaluation of Caste-Based Reservation Policy and Debate Around Economic Criteria

This article aims to examine the role of affirmative action policies in achieving desired outcomes among India’s Scheduled Castes in employment, education, health, and governance. It also addresses how economic criteria are not suitable for it and the problems associated with India’s affirmative action policies. The article reveals that a significant gap persists among castes, and caste is an important indicator of socio-economic backwardness. Thus, affirmative action policies should be maintained and enforced in order to realise the dream of an inclusive society.

Positive discrimination in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights

The study of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has shown that, in general, the ECtHR’s practice demonstrates its cautious approach to positive discrimination measures as a controversial, ambiguous issue, and one that to some extent contradicts the fundamental principle of the universality of human rights. This is the reason why the ECtHR considers positive discrimination measures primarily as a discretion of national governments, and not as a separate object of protection by the ECtHR. The ECtHR’s case law on affirmative action is based on an attempt to strike a balance between achieving social justice and preventing new forms of discrimination. The Court recognizes the importance of affirmative action measures to remedy injustice or restrictions that are caused by the objective vulnerability of certain categories of the population or that have occurred in the past in relation to certain categories of society. At the same time, the ECtHR emphasizes that these measures must be proportionate and must not violate the rights of others. Positive discrimination in the context of the ECtHR case law is justified only when its application is consistent with the principles of legal certainty and equality, and when it is necessary to ensure the common good. The ECtHR recognizes the need to use positive discrimination in specific situations to correct social inequality and ensure equality in various spheres of life. The ECtHR judgment in Thlimmenos v. Greece (2000) paved the way for a more detailed interpretation of discrimination, recognizing that formal equality does not necessarily lead to substantive equality. However, the ECtHR retains certain restrictions on positive discrimination measures. Such measures must be temporary, proportionate, and should not lead to unjustified privileges for groups of the population. Positive discrimination should serve as a means of achieving real equality, not perpetuating differences. In its case law, the ECtHR defines the limits of positive discrimination by a number of criteria: 1) Legitimate aim: Are the measures aimed at achieving a socially important goal? 2) Proportionality: Are the measures not excessive in relation to persons outside the group receiving the benefits? 3) Necessity in a democratic society: Is positive discrimination the only way to achieve the goal? Thus, the ECtHR case law demonstrates that positive discrimination may be justified and necessary to ensure the principle of equality among all persons, as actual inequality may require the application of special measures (positive action) in favor of vulnerable groups who are discriminated against or have been oppressed in the past.

Implementation of Affirmative Action to Protect Women's Political Rights in the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of Indragiri Hilir Regency

Implementation of Affirmative Action to Protect Women's Political Rights in the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of Indragiri Hilir Regency

Through the Eyes of Black Nurses: The Impact of the Nurse Training Act of 1964.

The Nurse Training Act (NTA) was passed by the United States Congress in 1964 in response to growing national concerns about a shortage of nurses. The legislation provided substantial funding for nursing education to increase the supply of nurses and improve the quality of nursing services. However, contemporary investigations into the causes of the shortage focused on the professional lives and experiences of white women, who were the main target of nurse recruitment and retention efforts. This research shifts the focus to Black women nurses, examining both the causes of the shortage and the impact of the NTA on the nursing workforce from their perspective. It argues that a key achievement of the NTA-alongside the Civil Rights Act of 1964-was the dismantling of legalized racial segregation in professional nursing schools, a major barrier to the development of the Black professional nursing class. Yet, this federal intervention was not simply bestowed; it was the result of decades of sustained advocacy by Black nurses from the 1890s to the 1960s to secure equal educational opportunity and federal support for their civil liberties. Viewing this landmark legislation through the eyes of Black nurses underscores the federal government's pivotal role in both promoting and obstructing racial and healthcare equality. As the nation faces yet another nursing shortage, coupled with the eradication of affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, this perspective is especially timely and important for informing current and future issues pertaining to health equity.

Negated actions are simulated within the primary motor cortex.

Controversy persists regarding the representation of linguistically negated actions, specifically concerning activation and inhibitory mechanisms in the motor system, and whether negated action sentences evoke an initial motor simulation of the action to be negated. We conducted two experiments probing corticospinal excitability (CSE) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in the primary motor cortex at different latencies while reading affirmative and negative action sentences. In experiment one, twenty-six participants read action and non-action sentences in affirmative or negative forms. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we probed CSE in hand muscles at rest and at several latencies after verb presentation. We observed a greater CSE for action sentences compared to non-action sentences, regardless of verb form. In experiment two, nineteen participants read affirmative and negative action sentences. We measured CSE and SICI at short and long latencies after verb presentation. CSE was greater for affirmative and negative action sentences at both latencies compared to rest. SICI did not change at the short latency but increased at longer latencies, regardless of verb form. Negated action sentences showed the same motor excitability as affirmed action sentences with no additional inhibition at early latencies. These results lend support for the idea that actions to be negated are initially simulated within the motor system. Neural differences between affirmative and negative action sentences may occur outside the primary motor cortex.

Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations on Race, Affirmative Action, and Family by Oiyan A. Poon (review)

Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations on Race, Affirmative Action, and Family by Oiyan A. Poon (review)

“So Far, Away From Me”, but in the future I hope to be graduated: Affirmative Actions at Unicamp from the perspective of public school students

Resumo Esta pesquisa investigou como a perspectiva de continuidade dos estudos é percebida por alunos concluintes do ensino médio, professores e coordenadores pedagógicos de escolas públicas do município de Campinas, onde está localizado o maior campus da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). O propósito foi analisar em que medida os programas de ação afirmativa desta universidade fazem parte da cultura escolar e da perspectiva de futuro desses jovens do ensino médio de escolas públicas e em que medida demonstram um processo de apropriação desses direitos. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionários com estudantes e professores e entrevistas com os coordenadores pedagógicos de uma amostra representativa de dez escolas públicas. Observou-se que entre os estudantes há uma diferença significativa entre os planos abstratos e a concretude de se inscrever nos processos seletivos; os professores representam um relevante papel como fonte de informações que abrem o leque de escolhas para os estudantes. No caso da universidade, sugere-se a possível ampliação de vagas na modalidade ENEM e a atenção às estratégias de comunicação, como relevantes a fim de tornar suas políticas de inclusão mais efetivas.

The Unbearable Weight of Gender Inequalities: Development and Validation of the Social Treatment and Experiences of Women (STEW) Scale

Gender inequalities are pervasive across various life domains, yet research has often overlooked how people perceive that women are treated differently than men. To fill this gap, we developed and validated the 16-item multidimensional Social Treatment and Experiences of Women (STEW) scale across different samples of women and different cultural contexts, namely Italy and the UK N = 1,195). Using exploratory (Study 1, N = 703) and confirmatory (Study 2, N = 550; Study 3a, N = 132; Study 4, N = 201; Study 5, N = 233) factor analysis, we identified four dimensions: workplace inequalities, domestic imbalance, harassment towards women, and social expectations. Studies 3a and 3b (N = 96) demonstrated convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the STEW, linking the STEW’s subscales to group-based emotions, reported experiences of sexism, attitudes towards affirmative action, and attitudes towards women’s sexual freedom. Replicating the factor structure in the UK, Study 4 found the STEW explained unique variance in group-based emotions and intergroup attitudes beyond personal experiences of sexism. Last, Study 5 showed that the STEW explains unique variance in collective action intentions and feminist identification beyond people’s attitudes towards gender equality. Highlighting the importance of conceiving gender inequalities as a multifaceted issue, the STEW provides a robust tool for assessing perceptions of differential treatment of women across domains and can inform more comprehensive interventions promoting gender equality.