Racism and sexism remain prevalent in societies today. Based on this proven premise, the authors of Affirmative Action in Perspective maintain that a policy of equal opportunity as practiced in America is not a feasible, realistic solution to the "legacy of racial and sexual discrimination". Drs. Blanchard and Crosby have edited a volume which clearly displays their conviction that affirmative action as a policy has the potential to establish a society more equitable than the society we know now. Distinguished contributors to this volume discuss the policy from a level of definition to actual case studies and further, to the theoretical examination of the justice of affirmative action. Throughout the book the urgency of questioning current policies is evident; so too is the need for basic understanding of the realities of injustice which draw the line between the advantaged and the disadvantaged.

Going beyond the affirmative action-psychology association with debates over IQ tests and race, this volume reviews theoretical perspectives (justice theories, attitude and trait theories) and empirical studies relevant to the diverse responses evoked in organizations and individuals by programs attempting to redress past inequities in hiring. Particularly noteworthy chapters explore alternative methods for increasing minority representation, and protected group issues beyond the US. The controversial political implications may broaden the book's appeal beyond an academic audience. Doverspike is at the U. of Akron. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Affirmative Action: A View from the Global South provides insight into a range of aspects of the affirmative action policies in seven countries from Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. In addition to these national perspectives, important theoretical concepts and international developments on affirmative action are explored.

C. Goals and timetables

Racism and sexism remain prevalent in societies today. Based on this proven premise, the authors of Affirmative Action in Perspective maintain that a policy of equal opportunity as practiced in America is not a feasible, realistic solution to the "legacy of racial and sexual discrimination". Drs. Blanchard and Crosby have edited a volume which clearly displays their conviction that affirmative action as a policy has the potential to establish a society more equitable than the society we know now. Distinguished contributors to this volume discuss the policy from a level of definition to actual case studies and further, to the theoretical examination of the justice of affirmative action. Throughout the book the urgency of questioning current policies is evident; so too is the need for basic understanding of the realities of injustice which draw the line between the advantaged and the disadvantaged.

The three scholarly articles that make up this book examine affirmative action in economic terms, measuring and discussing the economic cost of racial discrimination in employment and the economic cost of equal opportunity enacted to combat discrimination and its effects. The short article by Andrew Brimmer, an economist who was the first black governor of the Federal Reserve Board, calculates the financial cost to the nation of racial discrimination in employment, education, and training. Cecilia Conrad's article surveys an array of experts and concludes that the direct financial costs to government and private industry of maintaining affirmative action policies is quite small; she also concludes that the popular perception of a productivity loss caused by affirmative action has little basis in demonstrable fact. Finally, Lee Badgett and Heidi Hartmann examine the many studies that have been done to assess the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in increasing employment and wage opportunities for both women and African Americans; they conclude that such policies have had measurable effects, though they have often been slight.