Affirmative Action in Theory and Practice: Issues of Power, Ambiguity, and Gender versus Race
Author(s)
Eberhardt, Jennifer L.; Fiske, Susan T.
Abstract
The author suggests that affirmative action (AFA) for relatively powerless groups may be viewed negatively because their group membership is more salient than that of the powerful and because stereotypes about them perpetuate power asymmetries. AFA for Blacks may be viewed even more negatively than AFA for women because race stereotypes tend to be more simplistic and less prescriptive than gender stereotypes. Blacks may be more likely than women to feel entitled rather than unfairly helped; they may be less likely to develop negative self-evaluations due to AFA. AFA policies are held suspect. Suspicions about recipients’ ability to fit in, their competence, their job placements, and their promotions affect how difficult it will be to implement successful AFA policies. Researchers have suggested that the most effective method for dealing with suspicions is to provide more explicit information regarding AFA policies and recipient qualifications.
