Economist Bergmann (American Univ.; The Economic Emergence of
Women, 1986) presents a persuasive case on behalf of a concept that
is under fierce attack. Opponents of affirmative action claim there
is no longer widespread discrimination against women and
minorities; that affirmative action treats white males unfairly;
that it elevates less-qualified candidates; and that it
reintroduces the kind of quotas once used to discriminate against
Jews and other minorities. Bergmann offers what is in essence an
extended legal brief, considering these and other arguments against
affirmative action in light of the evidence, and then presenting
her case on affirmative action's behalf. She cites surveys proving
the continued existence of discrimination and offers numerous
examples of affirmative action no one finds objectionable: the
preferences colleges show to children of alumni and to athletes,
for example; or the way business owners may overlook more qualified
candidates to hire members of their families. Bergmann maintains
that programs aimed at improving the status of women and minorities
promise far greater dividends, including a society made healthier
by reduced poverty and an easing of tensions between races. Such
dividends, she writes, justify occasional losses inflicted on
individual white men by "affirmative action's removal of white
men's privilege of exclusive access to high-paying jobs." She also
argues that they justify numerical goals in hiring and admissions,
because no other remedies have proved effective in ending
discrimination. She acknowledges the "quotalike aspects" of such
goals but insists that quotas used on behalf of the excluded are
not the same as quotas used to exclude. Thanks to Bergmann's
legalistic style, her book is not riveting. It is, however,
convincing - a significant contribution to the debate over
affirmative action. (Kirkus Reviews)
At a time when quotas and preferences are under attack nationwide,
Barbara Bergmann courageously show that without the help of
affirmative action America will never be able to attain a truly
race-blind and sex-blind society, for it is naive to imagine that
the abolition of affirmative action will lead to a system based
solely on ability. Women and minorities do in fact need assistance
in cases where prejudice or habit leads to preference for white
males in all openings. Free of the posturing that has so often
degraded this debate, In defence of Affirmative Action is a clarion
call to maintain affirmative action as a just and indispensable
solution to a chronic problem in American society.
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