Abstract
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the implementation of affirmative action in higher education with African Americans as its beneficiaries. The thesis has briefly presented the arguments both pro and counter affirmative action and the lawsuits that arose during the implementation of the policy. The study incorporates several theories, in the light of which it examines the policy from the perspective of morality and feasibility. The thesis relies heavily on literature. It belongs to the category of qualitative research, which intends to interpret the policy as a meaningful social phenomenon.
Affirmative action, as an outcome of the civil rights movement, was originally intended to counteract racial discrimination prevalent at the time. Preferential treatment was given to those African Americans who had potential and motivation but were excluded from social mobility because of racial discrimination. Through the analysis in light of the theories, this study finds that affirmative action agrees with the principles of social justice and equality and with the American creed of liberty and individualism. To the race of African Americans, it helps defeat nihilism, making up part of a bigger project to eradicate the core of racial discrimination.
But the realization of a noble ideal depends on a feasible policy. After the policy rationale had shifted from correcting past wrongs to achieving diversity, especially with the changes in American demography, affirmative action has been exposed to more criticism. While this thesis is supportive of affirmative action, it also takes seriously the arguments of those who are against affirmative action, trying to track down the reasons that they have mustered with great constituency.
Through analysis and comparison, the thesis eventually arrives at the conclusion as such: Affirmative action is necessary for the progress of American society, and in the long run, it will benefit all social members, especially the disadvantaged ones. The defects emerged in the process of its implementation are evidence that it needs alteration and adjustment in accordance with the changes in policy context, which is an inherent part of policy process. The thesis therefore advocates mending, rather than ending the policy.