Introduction
During the 1950s and 1960s, the African American Civil Rights Movement was taking place. During this time period there was a great amount of pressure to give not only African Americans but minorities, those of other religions, and women equal opportunities. For a substantial period of time these individuals were oppressed. The Civil Rights Movement and the desire to undo past wrongs resulted in the creation and enforcement of affirmative action programs. The executive order of Lyndon Johnson, in 1965, ensured that these programs would be carried out for government contractors (Brunner & Rowen, 2014).
The affirmative action programs were put into place to integrate specific groups of people, generally minorities and women, in business …show more content…
The first argument that can be made is the need to make up for past wrongs. In the past minorities and women were often overlooked for admission into universities, instead being passed over for white males. The lack of education opportunities made it harder for these individuals to gain employment, as they were perceived as being less knowledgeable for going to less prestigious universities. Women and minorities were often at a distinct disadvantage for consideration of employment. When these individuals were passed over for their desired careers they often had to settle for entry level positions. They were underemployed. Being underemployed made it harder for them to go up the ranks, in comparison to white males. Advocates of affirmative action acknowledge that white males had a head start in the job market and that others should be given special consideration for college enrollment and job selection in an attempt to make up on lost …show more content…
The first action that would take place is the retiring affirmative action programs and racial quotas. By getting rid of these programs and quotas, incentives are created. Higher education institutes and scholarship providers should base selection around knowledge and academic performance. Students will then be rewarded for their hard work and knowledge, rather than factors unrelated to education. This incentivisation will then promote a strong work ethic. Students will be more likely to put forth better efforts, as they know that they will be either directly rewarded or punished for their actions. Students will be more likely to strive for good grades and excellent testing scores (ACT or SAT) because scholarships and college acceptance will be based upon those
During the 1950s and 1960s, the African American Civil Rights Movement was taking place. During this time period there was a great amount of pressure to give not only African Americans but minorities, those of other religions, and women equal opportunities. For a substantial period of time these individuals were oppressed. The Civil Rights Movement and the desire to undo past wrongs resulted in the creation and enforcement of affirmative action programs. The executive order of Lyndon Johnson, in 1965, ensured that these programs would be carried out for government contractors (Brunner & Rowen, 2014).
The affirmative action programs were put into place to integrate specific groups of people, generally minorities and women, in business …show more content…
The first argument that can be made is the need to make up for past wrongs. In the past minorities and women were often overlooked for admission into universities, instead being passed over for white males. The lack of education opportunities made it harder for these individuals to gain employment, as they were perceived as being less knowledgeable for going to less prestigious universities. Women and minorities were often at a distinct disadvantage for consideration of employment. When these individuals were passed over for their desired careers they often had to settle for entry level positions. They were underemployed. Being underemployed made it harder for them to go up the ranks, in comparison to white males. Advocates of affirmative action acknowledge that white males had a head start in the job market and that others should be given special consideration for college enrollment and job selection in an attempt to make up on lost …show more content…
The first action that would take place is the retiring affirmative action programs and racial quotas. By getting rid of these programs and quotas, incentives are created. Higher education institutes and scholarship providers should base selection around knowledge and academic performance. Students will then be rewarded for their hard work and knowledge, rather than factors unrelated to education. This incentivisation will then promote a strong work ethic. Students will be more likely to put forth better efforts, as they know that they will be either directly rewarded or punished for their actions. Students will be more likely to strive for good grades and excellent testing scores (ACT or SAT) because scholarships and college acceptance will be based upon those