Question

A number of colleges, universities, and corporations are encouraged to hire equally qualified women and minorities for high status positions. In support of this practice, some argue that the paucity of women and minorities inadvertently communicates to students and workers that members of these groups are not as competent or worthy of consideration. In essence, those who support the diversification of the workforce point to ________ as a source of negative stereotypes and prejudice.

Answer 1

Affirmative action is recognized as a source of negative stereotypes and prejudice due to its role in diversifying the workforce. While it aims to remedy past discrimination, it brings up concerns about reverse discrimination, the value of diversity versus merit, and the impact of underrepresentation on economic growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Those who support the diversification of the workforce point to affirmative action as a source of negative stereotypes and prejudice. Affirmative action has historically been used to promote the employment of minorities and women, aiming to correct historic patterns of discrimination and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects societal demographics. However, the implementation of affirmative action policies can lead to the perception that individuals from underrepresented groups may be viewed as less qualified, even when they are admitted or hired based on merit. Furthermore, it challenges certain meritocratic ideals, raising concerns over potential reverse discrimination and the impact on economic growth when populations are underrepresented due to barriers to equitable participation in the labor market.

Amidst these concerns, evidence suggests that affirmative action has been effective in increasing the number of minorities graduating from selective institutions and creating relative shifts in minority employment, despite any efficiency concerns. The policy debate continues around whether the goal of hiring practices should center on company or university success by selecting the best candidates, or if promoting social goals such as representation of underrepresented groups is equally important.

Answer 2

[...] In essence, those who support the diversification of the workforce point to institutional discrimination as a source of negative stereotypes and prejudice.

Step-by-step explanation:

Institutional discrimination (like individual discrimination) is based on race, religion and gender, but the responsible for it is an entity, such as a workplace or an educational institution. This implies that some people are treated unfairly and not given the same opportunities as others just for being women or part of minority cultures, such as in the case mentioned in the example.