Question

Identify and discuss the five models of affirmative action that are examined in research by David Oppenheimer. Why is it necessary that major social institutions, such as government agencies and schools, to practice one or more of these forms of affirmative action?

Answer 1

The five models of affirmative models as discussed by David Oppenheimer are discussed as under:

Model 1 is the quota model, wherein a specified and predetermined number of positions in educational institutions and organisations are set aside only for the minorities. Model 1 plans are often remedial and arise out of some past injustice to the minorities.

Model 2 is the preference model, which is similar in principle to Model 1 but is much less rigid. In this case, minorities are given a clear preference for the positions in an educational institution or organization over majorities, however the number of positions is not specified.

Model 3 is the self examination model and is found in the public and large private organisations. In this case, an employer attempts to compare the workforce diversity with that present in the local labour market. If the employer finds that there is huge disparity in the count of minorities in the organization, the employer would attempt to find the factors that are promoting the same. The driver for this is model is the assumption that a non-discriminating organizational culture will promote higher turnovers.

Model 4 is the outreach model, which is based on the notion that the underrepresentation of a minority community in an organization maybe due to the awareness and recognition of past practices that may have discriminated against the minorities. Model 4 can be the fallout after the self examination process of Model 3.

Model 5 is the non-discrimination model and includes both aspects of passive and active non-discimation. This includes the acceptance of laws that encourage employs to stop, avoid and prevent discrimination against minorities.

It is pertinent for major social institutions to practice at least one of these models because minorities suffer generations of oppression and discrimination that vastly impacts their chance of having a fair representation in social institutions. By adopting such models, they are given an opportunity of a head start which would help compensate their disadvantages. Until our society is truly at the epitome of equality, minorities should be given affirmative action.