Affirmative Action in the United States and India
A Comparative Perspective

Two of the most important national experiences with policies of positive discrimination in favour of historically disadvantaged ethnic or caste minority groups are cases of 'Affirmative Action' in the US and 'Reservation Policies' in India. This title examines the consequences of affirmative action in both countries using cost-benefit analysis.

Arguably, two of the most important national experiences with policies of positive discrimination in favor of historically disadvantaged ethnic or caste minority groups are the cases of 'Affirmative Action' in the United States and 'Reservation Policies' in India. This essential new book examines the consequences of affirmative action in both countries using a clear cost-benefit analysis. All those with an interest in affirmative action will appreciate the book's lucidity, use of evidence and policy implications.

Introduction Part One: The Differing contexts and potential conseqences of positive discrimination in the United States and India 1. On the Origins and Nature of Positive discrimination Policies in the United States and India 2. The Debate of positive discrimination in the United States and in India 3. The Potential Benefits and Costs of Positive Discrimination 4. A Theoretical Analysis of the consequences of Positive Discrimination Policies 5. The Differing Contexts of Positive Discrimation in the United States and India 6. A Comparative Analysis of the Likely Consequences of Positive Discrimination in the United States and India Part Two: An Empirical Analysis of Positive Discrimination in Admissions to Higher Educational Institutions in the United States and India 7. Positive Discrimination in Admissions to Higher Educational Institutions 8. Toward an Empirical Assessment of Claims of PD Benefits and Costs 9. Affirmative Action and Enrollments in US Universities 10. Reservation Policies and Enrollments in Indian Universities 11. Affirmative Action and Academic Performance in US Universities 12. Reservation Policies and Academic Performance in Indian Universities 13. Affirmative Action and Career Accomplishments in the US 14. Further Evidence on the Effects of Affirmative Action in US Universities 15. Review of the Findings on the Consequences of PD Policies in University Admissions Part Three: Conclusion 16. Concluding Observations on Policies of Positive Discrimination