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Affirmative Action in India
The Oxford India Short Introductions are concise, stimulating, and accessible guides to different aspects of India. Combining authoritative analysis, new ideas, and diverse perspectives, they discuss subjects which are topical yet enduring, as also emerging areas of study and debate.
Affirmative action (AA) has been the topic of a highly polarized debate, in which it is either demonized as the root of all evil or valorized as the panacea for eliminating discrimination. This Short Introduction provides the rationale, details, and assessment of the AA programme in India. It discusses the 'why' and 'how' of AA with glimpses into the history and dynamics of the programme, and offers a perspective on where India stands today, in terms of group disparities as well as the proposed remedies. Sketching out the larger context of and debates around this issue, the book assesses the success of AA in providing socio-political and economic justice as well as its limitations. Drawing on the vast body of research on this subject, it provides leads for further reading to those interested in pursuing specific aspects of the issue.
Affirmative action (AA) has been the topic of a highly polarized debate, in which it is either demonized as the root of all evil or valorized as the panacea for eliminating discrimination. This Short Introduction provides the rationale, details, and assessment of the AA programme in India. It discusses the 'why' and 'how' of AA with glimpses into the history and dynamics of the programme, and offers a perspective on where India stands today, in terms of group disparities as well as the proposed remedies. Sketching out the larger context of and debates around this issue, the book assesses the success of AA in providing socio-political and economic justice as well as its limitations. Drawing on the vast body of research on this subject, it provides leads for further reading to those interested in pursuing specific aspects of the issue.
218 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 4, 2020
"Affirmative action(AA) [or] quota should be seen as a compensation for contemporary exclusion, even if one did not view it as necessary to remedy historical exclusion."
Ashwini deshpande clearly quoted every thing a common man need to know about the reservation & quota [AA]. Read Annihilation of caste with AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN INDIA to gain more knowledge on caste and reservation.
இடஒதுக்கீடு தான் சமூக நீதி. 🖤 🙏
Book: Affirmative action in india
Author : ashwini deshpande.
Have to read again latter. 😉
Ashwini deshpande clearly quoted every thing a common man need to know about the reservation & quota [AA]. Read Annihilation of caste with AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN INDIA to gain more knowledge on caste and reservation.
இடஒதுக்கீடு தான் சமூக நீதி. 🖤 🙏
Book: Affirmative action in india
Author : ashwini deshpande.
Have to read again latter. 😉
July 25, 2018
A very clear, short and accessible introduction to and analysis of Affirmative Action (AA) in India.
It is mainly focused around Caste and Reservations (Quotas), though there are good sections covering Gender based reservation too.
Prof. Deshpande gives evidence and arguments that provides substance to the debate that goes around reservations.
As the author states, “Debates on AA have generated more heat than light.”
Prof. Deshpande is pro-AA and justifies her stance too.
The great thing about this book is that it destroys a lot of beliefs of people who say...
- There is no more caste discrimination.
- Reservations leads to more casteism.
- Reservations leads to fall in productivity.
- Or, merit should be the sole criteria for selections.
It is a must read for anyone who is either ignorant about Reservations in India or want more knowledge about it in quick and easy manner.
It is mainly focused around Caste and Reservations (Quotas), though there are good sections covering Gender based reservation too.
Prof. Deshpande gives evidence and arguments that provides substance to the debate that goes around reservations.
As the author states, “Debates on AA have generated more heat than light.”
Prof. Deshpande is pro-AA and justifies her stance too.
The great thing about this book is that it destroys a lot of beliefs of people who say...
- There is no more caste discrimination.
- Reservations leads to more casteism.
- Reservations leads to fall in productivity.
- Or, merit should be the sole criteria for selections.
It is a must read for anyone who is either ignorant about Reservations in India or want more knowledge about it in quick and easy manner.
November 16, 2023
Affirmative action aka reservations in India is one of the most discussed subjects in the country. Many oppose these measures citing that its a violation of equality before law. But they forget that equal treatment is applicable among equals. A couple of days back, a friend of mine shared a FB post which trolled the reservation policy in relation to the engineering entrance exams (You can notice a surge in reservation related posts during the admission season). I don't blame him. Most people aren't aware about the need of these policies. This book wonderfully explains the need of these policies. I didn't know that there were extensive research being done in these arena. Rather than simply stating pros and cons, the author provides the results of several studies and papers to bolster her point. I wish more people read this.
July 10, 2019
This is a reasonably comprehensive and concise summary of all aspects concerning affirmative action in the Indian context. The arguments are articulated neatly and sufficient empirical evidence is cited throughout. This primer would serve as a wonderful starting point for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the subject. The cited books will also give you a framework for further reference and study.
The author's assessment of affirmative action is insightful and enlightening. Affirmative action, in my opinion, is one of the few socio-legal tools that can be used to address discrimination, social/educational backwardness, historical injustice and underrepresentation. Effective, full implementation of AA across all sectors of the economy is the need of the hour.
The author's assessment of affirmative action is insightful and enlightening. Affirmative action, in my opinion, is one of the few socio-legal tools that can be used to address discrimination, social/educational backwardness, historical injustice and underrepresentation. Effective, full implementation of AA across all sectors of the economy is the need of the hour.
August 12, 2023
Ground reality regarding reservation of seats in education and politics for SC, ST &OBC's has been explained in detail with all necessary facts and papers.
May 16, 2014
A very good introduction to issues of caste and affirmative action in India. Some very large misconceptions are addressed here.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews