Daily Current Affairs : 10-July-2023
Affirmative action is a policy that seeks to promote equal opportunities for historically underrepresented demographics or minorities in educational and professional sectors. It considers factors such as nationality, sex, religion, and caste to extend employment and educational opportunities. This essay explores the concept of affirmative action, its historical background, and its impact on equal opportunities and gender diversity.
Historical Background:
Affirmative action gained prominence in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy associated the term with racial equality. The policy aimed to address the historical disadvantages faced by minority groups and foster inclusivity in various sectors. Over time, affirmative action has expanded beyond race to encompass other forms of underrepresentation, such as gender and socioeconomic status.
Promoting Equal Opportunities:
Affirmative action initiatives are designed to increase opportunities for underprivileged citizens. By considering factors such as race or socioeconomic background, these policies aim to level the playing field and ensure that individuals from historically disadvantaged groups have access to educational and employment opportunities they may have been denied in the past.
Impact on Educational Sector:
In the realm of education, affirmative action policies have sought to create more diverse and inclusive campuses. They have allowed students from underrepresented backgrounds to gain admission to prestigious institutions that were historically dominated by certain demographic groups. This has helped foster a rich and diverse learning environment, encouraging different perspectives and promoting cultural understanding.
Impact on Employment Sector:
In the employment sector, affirmative action policies have been implemented to address the underrepresentation of certain groups, such as women, in high-level corporate positions. For example, in February 2015, the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) made it mandatory for listed companies to have at least one woman director. This initiative aimed to increase gender diversity and provide equal opportunities for women in leadership roles.
Gender Diversity in Corporate Houses:
Gender diversity is a crucial aspect of affirmative action policies. Many large corporate houses have traditionally been dominated by male members, resulting in a lack of gender diversity. Initiatives such as mandatory woman directors aim to break this pattern and ensure that women have equal representation and opportunities in decision-making positions. Data reveals that only one-third of all listed companies have women directors, highlighting the need for further progress in this area.
Important Points:
- Affirmative action aims to ensure equal opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in education and employment sectors.
- President John F. Kennedy associated the term with racial equality in 1961.
- It considers factors such as nationality, sex, religion, and caste to extend opportunities.
- Affirmative action initiatives seek to increase opportunities for underprivileged citizens and address historical disadvantages.
- In education, it promotes diversity on campuses and fosters a rich learning environment.
- Affirmative action policies have expanded to include gender diversity in corporate houses.
- The Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated at least one woman director in listed companies to increase gender diversity.
- Only one-third of listed companies currently have women directors.
- Affirmative action is crucial for providing equal opportunities and breaking patterns of underrepresentation.
- It remains a subject of debate and may face legal challenges, but its goal of promoting equal opportunities and diversity is essential for building an equitable society.
Why In News
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling declared race-conscious student admissions as unlawful, leading to the striking down of affirmative action policies. This decision has sparked a nationwide debate on the future of diversity and equal opportunity in higher education.
MCQs about Affirmative Action
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What is the main goal of affirmative action policies?
A. To promote equal opportunities for historically underrepresented groups
B. To enforce strict quotas for minority admissions
C. To prioritize individuals solely based on their race or gender
D. To eliminate diversity in educational and professional sectors
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Which sector has seen the implementation of mandatory woman directors to increase gender diversity?
A. Education
B. Healthcare
C. Corporate houses
D. Government organizations
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What does affirmative action aim to achieve in education?
A. Reduce diversity on campuses
B. Provide equal opportunities for historically underrepresented groups
C. Implement strict admission requirements based on race
D. Favor students from privileged backgrounds
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What is the significance of gender diversity in corporate houses?
A. To maintain the status quo
B. To restrict opportunities for women
C. To create a more inclusive and balanced work environment
D. To exclude men from decision-making positions
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